TRIBUTES have been paid to a young paratrooper who died in a road accident.

Private Matthew Wade, who was 21, was involved in a collision with a bus on the Great Baddow bypass.

An inquest was yesterday opened into his death at a coroner's court in Chelmsford.

Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Hargreaves, who is commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, paid tribute to Private Wade and praised his "enthusiasm and professionalism".

Lt Col Hargreaves said: “It is with the deepest regret that we confirm the death of Private Matthew Wade in a road traffic accident.

"Matthew had recently joined C Company, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment having completed his training in Catterick.

"He immediately took to battalion life showing great enthusiasm, professionalism and early potential."

He added: "He relished the role of serving with The Parachute Regiment and being in the UK’s high readiness contingency force.

"Although a relatively new member of The Parachute Regiment, he will be sorely missed by all his brother paratroopers.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew’s family and friends.”

The accident happened near the Army and Navy roundabout in Chelmsford at 3.15am on Sunday August 7.

Police officers were called to the scene but Mr Wade was pronounced dead.

The Great Baddow bypass, the A1114, was closed in both directions for around ten hours while police carried out their investigations.

Police have appealed for any witnesses who have not yet come forward or who saw Pte Wade near the scene of the accident to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Lance Hutchin at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.