A grandfather who died near a supermarket in Maidstone has been remembered by his family as a man with a "heart of gold".

The body of Sammy Draper was found in woodland near the Sainsbury's car park in Romney Place shortly after noon on Monday.

In the hours since his death, friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute.

Sister-in-law Nicky Reed said: "I lost my brother-in-law yesterday in a way no one would ever want to go. He got lost in life and that was his way out.

"Mental health doesn’t show on your face no one can understand what’s going through someone’s head you can have a thousand people with you and still you're lonely.

"I loved him as a brother we had our ups and downs but I've got so many good memories I will treasure forever."

Sister Caroline Wallace said: "I can't close my eyes my baby brother is gone."

She added: "Despite what any one says or thinks he wanted to be everyone's friend and he had a heart of gold and I love him and my heart's broke.

"I will never not ever get over this."

Kent Police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Sainsbury's said it would not comment as the incident was not on its property.

If you need help on an emotional issue you can call the Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone