The pilot who died at CarFest North at Oulton Park yesterday (Saturday, August 1) was a former pupil of The King's School in Chester.

City-born Kevin Whyman was a member of the Combined Cadet Force (RAF) at the Wrexham Road independent school and was sponsored by the Royal Navy (RN) through the sixth form at what was then a boys' school.

His former history master Kevin Fear said: "Kevin was a really lovely lad, who was very popular at school."

This sentiment was echoed by headmaster Chris Ramsey, who said: "All staff who knew Kevin are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event. We offer our sincere condolences from everyone at King's to his wife, parents, family and friends at this awful time."

Kevin was an active member of The King's School Rowing Club and had a boat named after him in the annual Pudding Races. He left the school in 1994 and last year attended an alumni event where he caught up with former classmates.

Kevin Whyman (second row, second left) at a King's School alumni event in 2014. The airman died in a plane crash at Oulton Park on Saturday, August 1

A statement issued by the school this morning (Sunday, August 2) reads: "Former teachers and classmates at the school have expressed their shock and immense sadness at his tragic death of 1994 leaver Kevin Whyman.

"Kevin made a huge impact during his time at King’s, not only academically (he went on to read Economics at Cambridge) but in rowing too.

"He helped King’s make rowing history by winning a gold medal at the National Schools' Regatta in 1993, when he he steered King’s to victory in the coxed fours.. His notable contribution to GB rowing during this period continued, as he participated in the Junior World Rowing Championships in Arungen, Norway. At Cambridge, Kevin coxed two successful Cambridge Boat crews to victory in 1996 and 1997.

"Kevin, who became a fast jet pilot in the RAF after leaving school, changed career in 2002 to Mortgage Trading for a city firm living in London with his wife and young daughter.

"He returned to King's last year for a 1994 leavers' Reunion and was honoured in December 2014 by having a boat named after him at The King’s School Rowing Club’s Annual Pudding Races- an honour reserved only for those deemed to have made a significant contribution to both the club and rowing."

The 35-year-old father of one, known as Kev 'Jester' Whyman to his friends, was a member of the Gnat Display Team and was killed after his plane, a Folland Gnat, suddenly nose-dived during a display shortly after 2pm on Saturday.

Andrew Bartley said on Twitter: "Remember him well from @kingschester - really awful news"

A Facebook page entitled RIP Kevin Whyman of The Gnat Display Team has also been set up for people to leave tributes.

Huge smoke cloud and flames

Mark Dowling, a journalist at the Chester Chronicle, saw the crash and said the jet was upside down and wobbling in the air at the time.

He said: “There were two aircraft in the sky doing a dual display. I thought one of them appeared to be a bit low. It was upside down when I saw it go behind some trees, then suddenly there was a huge smoke cloud and flames.

“All the car action had taken place in the morning so most people were watching the display.”

A statement from Heritage Aircraft Trust which runs the Gnat Display team said: "Kevin was a Royal Air Force trained fast jet pilot whose enthusiasm for flying the Folland Gnat was infectious. He will be greatly missed by his family, the team and many friends.

"Kevin leaves a wife and young daughter. Please respect the privacy of family members and of the team at this most difficult time."

He started flying the Folland Gnat in 2005 and founded the Gnat Display Team with his colleagues in 2007.

Tribute from CarFest organiser Chris Evans

The accident happened at the CarFest event in Oulton Park, Cheshire, created by TV and radio presenter Chris Evans.

A visibly upset Evans told reporters: "There was a tragic accident, the result of which was that one of the pilots involved in a synchro display lost his life.

"Our condolences go out to his family, who have been informed."

BBC presenter Chris Evans pays tribute to the pilot killed at CarFest North at Oulton Park

The festival resumed today.