THE FAMILY and regiment of a 20-year-old man who died in a crash in Gloucestershire last week have issued tributes to him.

Joshua Gilbert-Bufton died when the VW Golf he was driving was in collision with a lorry on the A417 on Crickley Hill at about 4am on Wednesday, 16 May.

His family said that he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends, and his regiment have described him as having a 'bright future ahead of him'.

The young man grew up in Torquay before moving to Hereford at the age of fifteen years old, and joining the army four years later.

Joshua had been 'proud' to serve his country, his father said in his tribute.

"He was proud to be serving his country," he said. "We would like to thank the British Army so much for everything they have done for him, and their continuing support."

Gunner Joshua Gilbert-Bufton joined the army in January 2017 and was posted to Colchester as part of the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery seven months later, once his training was complete.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Morton, Joshua's commanding officer described the gunner as 'keen diligent and likeable'.

“Gnr Gilbert-Bufton was a keen, diligent and eminently likeable soldier," he said.

"Whether in the heat of Kenya or the cold of Germany he would always be found with a big smile on his face," Lieutenant Colonel Morton said.

"A young soldier, he had a bright future ahead of him. He will be sorely missed by all members of his battery and the wider regimental family.”

The Wilts & Glos Standard would like to offer Gunner Joshua Gilbert-Bufton's friends and family, and anyone affected by this accident, their heartfelt condolences.