The family of a taxi driver who died in a horrific crash that also killed a female passenger have today paid tribute to him.

Father-of-two Brian Maitland was fatally injured in a three-car crash on a country road near Staplehurst on Tuesday evening.

The 63-year-old grandfather, from Maidstone, died at the scene alongside a 47-year-old front seat passenger, also from the town.

Today, Mr Maitland's family spoke of their heartache in a statement.

They said: "He was a keen gardener who enjoyed growing his own flowers and vegetables from seed.

"He was an active member of the Foresters Friendly Society and enjoyed organising events for them.

“Happiest spending time with his family and friends, he will be forever missed."

Mr Maitland leaves wife Linda and two sons. A post mortem will take place next week.

An 18-year-old woman in the back of the taxi was also seriously injured in the crash in Cranbrook Road, at Knox Bridge, at just before 7.30pm.

She was airlifted to a London hospital, where she remains in a stable condition today. Her injuries are not life-threatening.

The scene of a fatal crash on the A229 Cranbrook Road in Knox Bridge

The drivers of the other two cars were treated for minor injuries.

The driver of a Chrysler, a Maidstone man in his 40s, and a woman in her mid-40s from the Maidstone area driving a Ford Galaxy were treated for minor injuries.

The vehicles crashed on a section of road that is a continuation of the A229 between Frittenden and Staplehurst.

A two-mile section of Cranbrook Road was closed for forensic examination between Pinnock Lane, near the petrol station, and the cafe at Knox Bridge.

Witnesses are asked to phone Kent Police on 101 or the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798535.