FRIENDS have paid tribute to a 17-year-old who died in a car crash on Mother’s Day.

Robert Cooter, of Sun Lane, Gravesend, was driving along Wrotham Road between Istead Rise and Meopham when his Vauxhall Corsa hit a telegraph pole.

It was found on its roof in a ditch near the junction with Nash Bank.

Robert was declared dead at the scene at around 11.10pm on March 22.

Friends Ricky Cottiss, Aman Dhillon, Ian Dickety, Katie Harding-Read and Sam Smith have spoken about the easy-going teenager.

Mr Cottiss, 18, of Wrotham Road, Gravesend, said: “Rob was a great guy and he had a great sense of humour. He got on with everyone.”

The group met around two years ago at North West Kent College.

Eighteen-year-old Mr Dickety, of Brimstone Hill, Meopham, said: “He was bubbly and always smiling. I can’t think of anyone he didn’t get on with.”

Mr Dickety described Robert as a role model for sons and teenagers and added he was very close to his family.

In fact Robert and his sister had cooked a meal for their mum on the day of the fatal crash.

Robert, Katie, Aman and Sam met up later that night.

They were celebrating Sam passing his driving test and went to Strood for something to eat, with Sam and Robert both driving their cars.

The accident happened after Robert dropped Katie off.

Mr Cottiss said: “I was really shocked when they said it was a car crash because I always felt safe in his car.

“He was a safe driver.

“I didn’t want to believe it when I was told.”

Robert played petanque, a form of boules, had represented Kent at the game and had won the English Junior Championship.

Mr Cottiss and Mr Dhillon visited the crash site and picked up some of Robert’s personal belongings they found there, including his petanque equipment.

They also saw the babyseat for Robert’s godson, which Mr Cottiss said made it hit home what had happened to Robert.

Robert was also a West Ham United fan and enjoyed playing computer games.

ACCIDENT WAS THIRD THIS YEAR AT ‘BLACK SPOT’, SAYS COUNCIL CLERK MEOPHAM

Parish Council clerk Bryan Rayner says the accident involving Robert Cooter was the third incident on this stretch of the A227 in the past 12 months.

Mr Rayner said: “We seriously think it is an accident black spot and have complained to the Highways Agency and Kent County Council (KCC) about it.”

He added HGVs use the road as a cut through and it was not suitable for the sheer amount of traffic using it.

KCC transportation manager David Hall said: “Kent Highway Services would like to offer its condolences to the family of the young man killed in this crash on the A227.

“We are awaiting a police report into the circumstances.

“Meanwhile, an allocation of £50,000 has been set aside to improve the speed limit signs along the full length of the A227 Wrotham Road during the coming year.”

For the latest road news, visit newsshopper.co.uk/li