A 16-year-old boy died after being hit by a car on a main road in the county.

The tragedy took place on the A28 at Chartham, near Canterbury, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The victim, Andrew Key, had just finished his GCSEs at Canterbury's St Anselm's Roman Catholic School. It is thought he spent the evening before he died at a party at a friend's house.

Philip Wicker, St Anselm' head teacher, said: "The entire school has been profoundly shocked.

"Andrew was very well known throughout the school, principally because of his acting ability. He had a wide circle of friends and will be greatly missed."

Andrew was walking towards Canterbury when he was hit by a Renault Clio near Stour Valley industrial estate at 1.45am. He died at the scene.

The driver, a 19-year-old from Ashford, stopped after the collision. He was not injured.

The road was closed for five hours while police officers carried out an investigation and traffic was diverted.

An inquest will be held.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 01622 798538.

* FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE THE KENTISH GAZETTE (THURSDAY, JULY 5).