A SOLDIER serving with the South Cerney-based 29 Regiment died surrounded by her family after suffering injuries in a road accident in the Middle East just days before she was due to return home.

Lance Corporal Sarah Holmes, who served in the 29 Postal Courier and Movement Regiment was serving on Operation TELIC at Al Udeid Airfield, Doha, Qatar, when the car she was travelling in was involved in a collision with a truck on October 3.

The 26-year-old was taken by ambulance to hospital and then flown back to the UK but died from her injuries last Monday with her next of kin at her bedside.

Lance Corporal Holmes' colleagues said she will always be remembered as a first class Postie' and a true friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Major Neil Blenkinsop, Lance Corporal Holmes' commanding officer, said: "I fondly remember her quick wit and infectious sense of humour which, combined with her unquestionable generosity, made her a key member of the Operation TELIC Postal and Courier Squadron."

Squadron Sgt Major Violet Sedgwick of the 80 Postal and Courier Squadron also served with Lance Corporal Holmes in Northern Ireland.

She said: "I can honestly say that she was an asset to the Squadron and nothing was ever too much for her.

"I wish I had ten of her on every deployment as I know I could rely on her at the drop of a hat.

"This will be one soldier that will be missed by all that knew her. Our hearts go out to her family."

Lance Corporal Holmes was from Wantage, Oxfordshire and joined the army in 1997 aged 16.

She had previously served in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Former Repbulic of Yugoslavia, Kenya and Poland.

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said: "Lance Corporal Holmes' death is tragic and my thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.

"She was an exemplary soldier and I sure she will be sorely missed."