Alex Bryant, 19, died in the tragic accident at Robertsbridge station just before 9.30pm last Thursday evening.

He lived at Coronation Cottages in Salehurst with mum Sue, his 17-year-old brother Robin and sister Elle, 12.

Alex, who also had three older half brothers, moved from Normans Bay to Battle at the age of two, before the family settled in Salehurst 11 years ago.

Remembered as a 'clever and artistic' pupil, Alex attended Salehurst Primary School and Robertsbridge Community College before embarking on a two-year engineering course at Hastings College.

On Monday, he was due to start a two week Construction Skills Certification Scheme in preparation for starting work on a building site in Burwash Weald in a couple of weeks time.

Alex was an active member of Robertsbridge Youth Centre for several years, where he made many good friends.

Alex's mum, Sue Bryant said: "He had been at the youth club from start to finish and had been on a lot of outings with them.

"He went go-karting, quad biking, all sorts.

"They went to Alton Towers and sometimes they went to Galley Hill (at Bexhill) to do some graffiti up there they were working on.

"They were allowed to do some artwork on the outside walls of Battle Youth Club.

"He was quite artistic."

The charismatic teen had lots of friends from Robertsbridge, Battle and Hastings and spent much of his time socialising with them and his girlfriend.

Michael Riggs, who has been a friend of the family for many years, said: "He's going to be well missed. Well missed by a lot of people."

A sea of floral tributes have been laid at Robertsbridge station, near the scene of the accident.

Mrs Bryant said: "The support from the village is almost overwhelming.

"I'm very, very grateful to the community as a whole because if anything could make it any easier, they certainly are."

Investigators are still trying to piece together what happened on the night, but police say early indications suggest Alex's death was a "tragic accident".

It's believed Alex had been taken off the train at Robertsbridge station after some hi-jinx, which had got out of hand, and ended up sitting on the tracks, where he was struck by the train.

Mrs Bryant added: "I hope the inquest brings to light everything that did happen.

"There are so many unanswered questions."

Mr Riggs said Alex's family and close friends do not blame the train driver for the teenager's death.

He said: "We would like to send our condolences to the train driver.

"There's no blame put on him from anybody."

Mrs Bryant added: "I feel so sorry for him and what he must be going through."

Mrs Bryant also paid tribute to the Chapman family, who live on the Robertsbridge travellers site, for all the support they have offered the family.

She said: "The people on the travellers site have been amazing.

"Alex was good friends with them for many years."

A group has been set up on social networking site Facebook, inviting Alex's friends to pay tribute to him.

Amongst the tributes from the group's some 400 members was one from Sam James, who wrote: "RIP Alex. Battle will never be the same without you."

Friend Grace Felstead wrote: "Alex...You will be missed by everyone that's for sure... Lots of memories all of which will make us laugh, everyone's going to miss you, I just hope they all keep safe. RIP xxxx."

Speaking to the Observer, Andrew McGregor, headteacher at Salehurst, said: "At Salehurst School we remember Alex as being quiet, polite, clever and very artistic.

"We are, of course, very upset and sorry at the news of his death."

The train which struck Alex was travelling from Hastings to the depot at Grove Park and the accident closed the line for three hours.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: "At this time it is believed that Alex died as a result of walking onto the railway line outside of Robertsbridge railway station when an empty train, which passed through Robertsbridge station without needing to stop, hit Alex causing fatal injuries.

"British Transport Police are currently investigating and early indications are that this was a tragic accident."

Mrs Bryant is inviting Alex's friends to graffiti their messages onto his coffin for his funeral on Tuesday November 25.

Alex's family and friends will walk from Robertsbridge station at 1.15pm to Salehurst parish church for a service at 2pm.

Mourners are invited to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.

Tributes can be left be clicking on this link