James Hutton, a groundworker from Cuckoo Drive, Heathfield, was riding an Aprilla motorcycle which was in collision with a Ford Focus driven by a local 22-year-old woman.

The accident happened at the junction with the A265 Burwash Road and Uplands Park in Broad Oak at 1.53pm.

Firecrews from Uckfield and paramedics attended but James was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say he died instantly from his injuries.

James had been a student at Heathfield Community College.

Assistant head teacher Jenny Mitton said: 'James was a lively, friendly but mischievous student with a cheeky smile.

'He was a well-known and popular lad who enjoyed the outdoor life.

'James left Heathfield at the end of Year 10.'

James used to drink with his friends at the Three Cups pub, Punnetts Town.

Richard Fly from Punnetts Town told the Express: 'He was quite comical, a really good mate and always up for a laugh.

'You couldn't find a nicer person.

'We used to get together a lot, every so often people would throw barbecues, that sort of thing.

'We are going to miss him - it was a dreadful thing to have happened.'

A neighbour said: 'This is a terrible tragedy.

'Someone told me that motorcyclists have about the same survival rate as men on the beaches during the D-day invasion.
'What a nightmare for the family and all his friends.'

The incident is being investigated by the Sussex road policing unit and witnesses are being asked to call 0845 6070999 quoting Operation Lindford.

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