Friends and relatives have paid tribute to a motorcycle racer who was killed in a crash at the famous Brands Hatch circuit.

Gavin Turner, 30, of Dallington Road, Eastbourne, was killed on Saturday after his powerful Kawasaki ZX9R 900 was shunted from behind during a lunchtime meet.

His mother, June Turner, of Croxden Way, Eastbourne, said: "I'm just devastated.

"He was a good son and he was there for me when I needed him. He died doing what he loved doing best in the world."

She said Mr Turner, a former pupil at Eastbourne Technology College, had been given his first motorbike on his 17th birthday.

She said her son got better and better at the sport but she could not bear to watch him race.

Neighbour Bunny Miller, of Midhurst Road, Eastbourne, described Mr Turner as a wonderful man who lived for his bikes and girlfriend Nicky.

She said: "He loved his motorbikes - he lived for them. It was part of his life.

"I can't speak highly enough of him. He was the best neighbour I have ever had. We got on very well considering the difference in age.

"He had a lovely girlfriend and they were planning to get married next year.

"We loved him and used to look forward to talking to him. I always felt safe knowing he was next door."

Mr Turner, who worked from home, attracted sponsorship from Charlie White, owner of Bexhill-based Phoenix Motorcycles.

Mr White said: "We mainly sponsored him for work on his bike but also some of his kit as well. He was a terrific bloke. We look out for the up-and-coming youngsters.

"He wasn't a youngster but he was making good progress up the ranks. He loved the speed."

Medical staff at Brands Hatch attended Mr Turner but he was pronounced dead on arrival at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

The incident has been passed over to the Health and Safety Executive to investigate.

His stepfather, Philip Lucas, said he was stationary on his bike because the race had been stopped after an accident.