Tributes have been paid to a barman who was killed in an alleged hit and run crash last week.

Kelly Scott, who runs the Coach and Horses in Cadnam, said she had only good words to say about Joe Godden.

Joe died following a crash in Winchester Hill, Romsey on April 11 in what police suspect was a hit-and-run.

The 28-year-old from Romsey worked as a bartender at the pub for several years.

Daily Echo: Joe Godden at the Coach and Horses pub in Cadnam Joe Godden at the Coach and Horses pub in Cadnam (Image: Coach and Horses)

During that time, he built many valued relationships with customers and staff.

Kelly described him as a "likeable and good lad".

She said: “Joe was a hard worker and would help anybody – he had a heart of gold.

“When we were looking at taking on the pub last year, he showed us around and was really helpful.

“Joe was a really good barman who had the gift of the gab. We were sad to see him leave the pub a few months ago.”

She added: “He loved to play his guitar. He sold his guitar to us, and it was up on our wall.

“The Friday before last he came in and played for us, and that’s when that picture was taken.”

READ MORE: 'Heartbroken' mum of man who died in hit-and-run speaks out

Fellow bartender Nancy Kimber also paid tribute to Joe.

She said: “When we took over the pub, he was here for the first couple of months.

“He trained me up on the tills and I loved working with him, he was fun to work with.

“Joe was very, very bubbly and a really humorous character.

“He loved playing his guitar and he was an all-round friendly person.

“He had a lot of good relationships with the bar staff and customers.

“Joe will be missed. He only came in to see us the week before last. It’s devastating.”

It comes after Joe's mum Janette took to Facebook to launch an emotional appeal for the person responsible to come forward.

She wrote: “From a heartbroken mother, please someone must know something and if it was you, you have no idea what you have done to our family, you have ripped us apart, he was my son and the pain is unbearable, he was only 28 and had his whole life in front of him, have some decency and at least now, do the right thing and come forward!"

Southampton FC fans are also calling for a minute-long applause in the 28th minute of Saints' match against Preston on Tuesday.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, a user said: "#saintsfc can we get a 28th min applause for Joe Godden who tragically got killed on Thursday night.

"Hit by a driver who failed to stop. A big Southampton fan, who will be missed hugely by his friends and family.

"RTs appreciated."

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: “We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident.

“Did you witness anything, or were you nearby at the time and recall any vehicle which raised any concerns?

“Also, do you have any footage which may assist in our investigation, including dash cam, CCTV, doorbell camera or mobile phone?

“If you have any information, please call 101 and quote incident number 44240152484.”