A DJ interrupted his set at a nightclub to pay an emotional tribute to his friend who died in a car crash just hours before he went on stage.

Lydia Smith was driving a white Ford Fiesta which was involved in a collision in Tudeley Road, Tonbridge, near the junction with Postern Lane, just after midnight on Saturday.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene but the 23-year-old from Tunbridge Wells, who went to St Gregory's Catholic School, was sadly pronounced dead.

Later that evening, during a performance at the Source Bar, DJ Will Wiley paid tribute to Miss Smith by projecting her name on the club's screens, and playing some of her favourite songs.

Mr Wiley, who had known her for eight years, told us: "She was just lovely, she had a massive impact on everyone.

"She always lit up the room with her smile and always knew exactly how to lift people up when they were down - a wise old soul, we called her.

"More people loved her than she knew and there’s not a chance she’ll be forgotten."

Posting on Facebook, he added: "Words cannot describe the pain that I am feeling. Always the bubbliest person of the group and always a pleasure to be around.

"We will miss you more than you can imagine and we will never forget the times we had together.

"I know there’s nothing in the world you would have wanted other than for me to carry on playing on Saturday night. Always at the front and always telling me you’re my number one fan.

"I love you forever and I promise to make you proud."

Miss Smith's parents also paid tribute to their daughter, describing her as "the light of our lives".

Officers from the serious collision investigation unit are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the crash, which also involved a white Volkswagen Passat.

The driver of the Passat and a passenger were taken to hospital, with serious injuries but were not in a life-threatening condition.

Witnesses or those with dash cam footage, who have yet to contact police, are asked to call the appeals line on 01622 798538 quoting JG/19/19.

Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.