A man struck and killed by a train at Chestfield and Swalecliffe railway station was an "amazing" father to his heartbroken 10-year-old daughter.

Graham Durman died on the tracks at about 11am on Thursday when he was hit by a train travelling from Margate which was not due to stop at the station.

The 40-year-old, who was clubhouse manager at Seaview Holiday Park in Swalecliffe, has been described as a "kind, generous man" by friends.

His ex-wife Jannine Learoyd, who lives in Swansea with their daughter Grace, said: "He was an amazing dad. He used to take Grace swimming, to the cinema, to Kaspa's Desserts. He would come visit her in Wales and she used to go visit him in Whitstable as well.

"They spent last Christmas together there at Seaview.

"Grace is absolutely distraught. One minute she's fine and the next minute she's completely devastated and in tears.

"It's hard for a 10-year-old to understand. She doesn't know exactly what he did at the moment. She just knows he had an accident - how do you tell a 10-year-old what he did?

"He was always happy to help - always put himself last, and put everyone else first. He was always the person to make you laugh. We were great friends.

Details of the circumstances of Mr Durman's death have not been released, but British Transport Police is not treating it as suspicious.

Ms Learoyd said: "It's an absolute shock this has happened.

"He was here in February, last. And then there was something going on in his private life, and it just upset him and he just got lower and lower.

"I think that's where it started. He had no history of depression."

Mr Durman was affectionately known as Harry after being likened to book and movie favourite Harry Potter.

Many of the friends he made while working at holiday parks across the country have paid tribute to him.

Mandie Curtis, who formerly worked for Graham at Warmwell Holiday Park in Dorset, said: "He was a great manager. He really helped me a lot - he was such a fun, kind, generous man - he was amazing, and I've kept in touch with him ever since.

"He was a great dad to Grace. It's just terrible. You think you know what everybody's doing because of Facebook, but you don't."

An inquest into Mr Durman's death will be held at a later date.

If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call the Samaritans on 08457 909090 at any time.