The family of an 18-year-old who died after colliding with a tree while driving his quad bike in the Suffolk village of Cowlinge have paid tribute to him.

Police were called to the incident at Queen Street, Cowlinge, at 3.40am on November 9.

Rory Kenneth, from Maidenhead, Berkshire, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital but died shortly afterwards.

Rory’s family released a tribute to him yesterday.

It said: “Rory was a loving, sharp-witted 18-year-old who had just started his dream job when he died riding a quad bike at Cowlinge in Suffolk early Sunday morning.

“He had spent two years at agricultural college and had just gained his extended diploma in Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management.

“He was a good skier, qualified canoeist, and cyclist who was never happier than out of the classroom studying nature, be it animals, birds, insects or plants.

“His passion for outdoor life along with his razor-sharp wit and genuine caring attitude endeared him to others.

“He has left behind a devastated family and the huge deluge of emails and cards we have received are testament to the constant source of energy and fun that was Rory.

“The brightest star in our life has gone out.”