A 21-year-old student has died a week after he was assaulted in a Kent town centre.

Ben Neilson, of Essella Road, Willesborough, was described as a "leading light" by the head teacher of his former grammar school, Norton Knatchbull, and as the "heart and soul" of his group of friends.

Ben, a university student who was home for the Easter holidays, was fatally injured in Ashford just over a week ago and died in a London hospital when a life support machine was switched off on Monday.

Less than 24 hours after Ben’s death, almost 500 people joined a Facebook group set up in his honour.

Chris Stassen, one of his best friends, said: "The shockwaves have been immense and none of us really know how to deal with this."

Two men have been charged in connection with the attack.

• For full story and tributes, see this week's Kentish Express newspaper.

• For more news from Ashford, Folkestone, Hythe and Tenterden visit kentishexpress.co.uk >>>