Touching tributes have been paid to a much-loved 20-year-old who died suddenly this week.

Daniel Pude has been described as a humorous and generous man and a caring uncle who was always the life and soul of the party.

He proposed to fiancée, Samantha Blackaby, 22, on Christmas Day and they had moved in to their Larkfield home in January.

Miss Blackaby said: “When you said forever you meant it, I just wish it could have been for longer.

"I never knew what it was like to love someone until I met you. I’ll love you forever, rest in peace handsome.”

Police and paramedics were called to the couple’s home in London Road at around 8.30pm on Tuesday.

The former Aylesford School Sports College pupil is believed to have died as a result of type one diabetes, which he was diagnosed with at 13.

His mother Su Lowe, of Temple Way, East Malling, has been inundated with messages of support and paid tribute to a kind-hearted and mischievous son.

She said: “Daniel, you have left the biggest hole in my heart baby and I am going to miss you so much.

"Although I will always have a full fridge now as there is nobody to pinch all the food anymore!

"I know you said you wouldn’t live to 40 but you could have stayed longer, you had it all planned out with Sam and you were both so happy. I will love you forever.”

Friend Jamie Isherwood said: “I still can’t believe my best friend has gone, words cannot describe how much I am going to miss you, it still doesn’t feel right.

"You were like a brother to me. All the memories we had together, I promise I will never forget them.

"My little Grace will be told what a lovely, kind, generous man you were. I will never forget you Daniel J Pude. Sleep tight and I love you.”

Miss Blackaby's brother, Josh, who found Mr Pude on Tuesday, said: "He meant the world to me, he was part of our family and the older brother I never had.

"I would just like to say thank you to him for making my sister the happiest girl in the world. Sleep tight mate, love you."

Mr Pude, a window fitter, was particularly close to his two nieces, Caitlin, four, and one-year-old Ava.

His brother, James, 22, said: “Daniel, I wasn’t aware how many people liked you, but Caitlin loved you the most and she will miss her ‘Uncle Podge’. Watch over her and Ava for me.”

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