The family of a young motorcyclist killed in a tragic crash outside Herne Bay say they want people to remember him "with a smile on their face".

Jack Whichello, 20, died when his bike hit a tree on the notorious A291 Canterbury Road on the afternoon of August 27.

Speaking ahead of his funeral today, mum Alex Drew said: “He was a thinker. He would only say something if it was relevant.

"He got on with everyone and kids loved him.

“I hope people remember him with a smile on their face and remember him for the lovely, gentle young man he was.”

A procession of motorbikes will flank the funeral cortege as it makes its way from Mrs Drew’s home in Gillingham to Bobbing Crematorium.

It will also pass the house of Jack’s father, Paul, in Milton Regis.

He said: “We’ll be going past all the places Jack used to hang out on his bike.

“We want Friday to be a celebration of his life, not a mourning of his passing.

“If he were here he would be asking what all the fuss was about. He was always so chilled out.”

Step-mum Selina added: “He was a gentle giant, a real peacemaker among his friends and was very level-headed.

"He didn’t drink or smoke. He would rather spend his money on his bike.”

Jack, a former MidKent College student, loved bikes from an early age.

In his early teens he would spend all his time on his beloved BMX. He also enjoyed music and movies.

He was one of four siblings – a brother to Hannah, 23, Harry, 19 and step-sister Kyra, 15.

He had been with girlfriend Tandia Kilmister for 15 months.

Paul said: “The last time I saw him he had joined me speedway racing and we had a bit of a celebration at home, with a Chinese takeaway. It is a nice memory to have.

“Jack would spend a lot of time here and we would always sit down together as a family to eat.

“He always gave you a cuddle when he left. Some lads would just say see you later and go, but not Jack, he always gave you a hug.”

Paul also thanked those who rushed to help his son at the scene of the crash, where huge crowds gathered for a memorial two days later.

“We are grateful to everyone who helped,” he said.

“People were in their gardens and heard the crash so they came running out to help and did what they could.

“One man, an ex-Army guy, must have been medically trained as he stayed when the air ambulance crew and worked with them.

“The residents were so nice when we held the memorial as well, they couldn’t do enough for us. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received.

“We are raising money for the air ambulance in Jack’s memory and would like to thank the crew in person one day.”

• For more details of the funeral, which starts at 1.15pm, search Jack Whichello’s Funeral on Facebook.