A binman crushed to death by his lorry has been hailed as a hero for trying to prevent an even more dangerous incident.

Andy Betts died at Benenden School near Cranbrook on November 25, just four days before his 62nd birthday.

An inquest into his death, which opened at the Shepway Centre in Maidstone this morning, heard the collection supervisor was trying to stop his cart from rolling away when he was crushed between the door of the vehicle and a hedge.

Mr Betts, who lived in Waterloo Road, Tonbridge, was a popular figure on the local darts scene - known affectionately as ‘Bettsy’ - and had previously played for the Kent county team.

His wife Lesley and daughter Laura described the 61-year-old as “a devoted father and husband”.

Laura said: “My dad was simply the best father and husband you could wish for and loved by so many friends.

“He loved life and was so much fun and would do anything to help anyone.

“His actions were nothing short of heroic and a reflection of the type of person he was, he will be so painfully missed.”

A former contestant on cult TV darts show Bullseye, Mr Betts was once part of a team of four players who set a world record for the number of bullseyes and 25s scored in 24 hours, hitting 445.850 shots and raising money for good causes in the process.

The hearing into Mr Betts’ death - which has been provisionally adjourned for a full inquest on April 22 - heard school staff and emergency services tried to save his life following the accident, but he died at the scene. Assistant coroner Alan Blunsdon said the cause of death was a massive chest trauma.

An online fundraiser has been set up by his family to help pay for a memorial event once Covid-19 restrictions are eased sufficiently to allow friends and family to gather and celebrate his life. So far almost £6,000 has been donated by well-wishers.

Laura said: “The purpose of this is to hold a memorial event and celebration of my dad’s life that he would have wanted, as we can only have 30 people at the funeral, this will include a darts tournament and a schedule of bands.

“Funds left over will go to the air ambulance and the Alzheimer’s Society, we will also be fundraising for them on the night.”

Click here to donate to the fundraiser

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