Tributes have been pouring in for a popular young Maidstone man who died from a suspected heart attack.

Daniel Dunmill died at home in Wateringbury on Sunday, exactly a week before his 21st birthday. His death is being treated as unexplained.

There was an outpouring of grief this week, with friends and family paying tribute to the former MidKent College and Oakwood Park Grammar School student.

His father Mark, 55, said: “He was just a young lad, laughing and joking with his girlfriend, and then this happens.

“From the moment he was born he lit up our lives. He was the perfect son and did us proud. He was kind and always the first to help someone in trouble, he didn’t think twice about it.”

Mr Dunmill’s heartbroken girlfriend Brooke Tudor, paid tribute to a "complete gentleman".

She said: “He was loved by anyone and everyone. No one ever had a bad word to say about him because there was simply nothing bad to say, he was honestly the loveliest man going.”

Chris Alchin said of Dan, his oldest friend: “It breaks my heart every time I think about him not being here anymore.

“Dan had grown into such a nice, caring man, and the bestest friend. When we were in school he was always getting us into trouble, but it was fun, and he always made me laugh.

"Dan infected everyone he met with his happiness, and it was hard for anyone not to love him as he got on with everyone."

A spokesman from Mr Dunmill's former school, Oakwood Park Grammar, described him as an "outgoing and friendly student", who was a member of the fencing team and took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.

Mr Dunmill worked as a bartender at The Swan in West Malling until last summer, when he started working as a sales executive for Mitsubishi at Humphries and Parks Ltd.

Dealership owner Marcus Joy, said: "Dan was a real gentleman despite his tender years, the sort of lad that anyone would be proud to have as their son-in-law.

"He was warm, friendly and a natural salesman, his customers loved him as he would always go the extra mile to help them in any way he could.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him."