Tributes have been paid to a 20-year-old soldier killed in a road accident.

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

Gunner Gilbert-Bufton joined the Army in January 2017 and was posted to Colchester-based 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery after completing his training.

He served with F (Sphinx) Parachute Battery Royal Horse Artillery and deployed on exercises in Kenya and Germany.

Before his death he was preparing for the All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection Course (P Company).

In a statement, his family said: “He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

“Joshua spent 15 years growing up in Torquay, before moving to Hereford and joining the army at 19.

"He was proud to be serving his country.”

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Morton, commanding officer of 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, said: “Gnr Gilbert-Bufton was a keen, diligent and eminently likeable soldier.

"Whether in the heat of Kenya or the cold of Germany he would always be found with a big smile on his face.”

“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.”