A family have paid a moving tribute to a man killed in a bike crash as "an exceptional person with an enormous spirit for life."

Luke Leary, of Darenth, was just 24 when he was killed riding his bike on the A228 at High Halstow in Medway.

He was travelling on Sharnal Street towards Rochester at around 3.30pm last Wednesday when his bike hit a kerb and he struck a lampost.

Now his family have told of his joy for life.

In a statement, they said: "Luke died doing what he loved - riding his motorbike.

"Luke was the most exceptional person with an enormous sprit for life, enjoyment, speed and exhilaration.

"Luke, although only 24 years old, lived life to the maximum, his 24 years on this earth were filled with more excitement than most of us will experience in our life time."

Tributes have been paid to 24-year-old Luke Leary, who died when his bike hit a lamppost

They said he was a talented photographer and web designer and "a bit of a geek for audio-visual & technology."

The statement, prepared by parents said Lisa and Stuart Coates, said Luke was "a determined young man with a wicked sense of humour that some people may not have understood, but if you understood Luke you became a lifetime friend."

But he had had a difficult childhood, they said. He hated school and had to be tutored at home, which cut him off from the world for a while.

Read the family's full statement here

The family spoke about a passion for motorbikes which spanned back to when he was just three years old - when his family bought him a Peewee 50.

After 30 seconds, Luke asked for it to go faster. A restrictor was removed, and Luke's "infatuation and enthusiasm for becoming a biker" was born.

At 16 Luke got a scooter, before upgrading to bigger, better, flasher bikes.

Flowers and cards at the scene of the accident in Sharnel Street, High Halstow

The statement continued: "Luke’s other love was that of his car, the scrupulous hours of dedication and investment that Luke put into his pride and joy, showed what a conscientious and meticulous person he was.

"He drove his car like his bikes - hard and fast."

It was his Nan who provided stability in his life, they said.

The family said: "Luke we will miss you our darling boy, your sprit will live on forever, we will never let your memory die.

"I hope you know how much we love you and how so very very proud of you
we are. The highways of Heaven have no hard landings son, go for it.

All our love mum & dad xxx"

Police would like to hear from any witnesses or anyone who saw the blue and white Suzuki motorcycle being ridden just before the incident.

Please contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.