TRIBUTES are pouring in for Alex Harding - who has been named as the 21-year-old driver killed in the M5 crash near Stroud yesterday (Thursday).

Popular Alex - an apprentice at Stonehouse-based Delphi Diesel Systems - was killed when the BMW he was driving was involved in a collision with an articulated lorry on the M5 between junctions 12 (Quedgeley) and junction 13 (Stroud) around 5.30am.

Next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

Colleagues at Delphi have paid tribute and a minute's silence will be held at the company on Monday.

Nicola Mann, human resources director, said: "He had been with us since August 2012 on our apprenticeship scheme.

"He was in his final year. He was really popular and really well liked, and we are so sad to hear this has happened.

"We are offering welfare support to his friends and colleagues and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Friends of the former Churchdown School student - who was known by the nickname Frodo - have been paying tribute on a Facebook page set up in his memory.

When he was younger Alex was a well respected member of Gloucester Sea Cadet Corps.

Paying tribute, the unit wrote: "It is with great sadness that former PO Cadet and Petty Officer Alex Harding has unfortunately been involved in a terrible accident on the M5. Our thoughts are with his family at this horrible time."

Elizabeth Burns, who attended the cadet group, posted: "Thank you for everything Alex, RIP. It was a pleasure to call you my PO during my time at Gloucester cadets and a friend."

Other friends have also been remembering Alex.

Matt James posted: "Rest in peace Alex Harding you were such a nice person and caring person to everyone, you would always be able to make people laugh and it won't be the same without you mate. Taken from us far too early and you will be sadly missed by everyone. Sleep tight bro!!"

Jay Spiers wrote: "RIP Alex Harding, taken away way too soon at such a young age, a top friend and nice guy, my deepest condolences to Alex's family on this sad day."

Cameron Ashley said:"RIP Alex Harding, you'll be missed by everyone who knew you mate. Top lad!! x"

Tristan Bishop posted: "RIP Alex Harding (Frodo). Still can't believe he's gone never forget the memories thoughts go out to his family."

Gerwyn Williams wrote: "Alex - you will be sadly missed by all who knew you. Rest in Peace Alex Harding X."

Message of condolence have been paid from sea cadet groups across the country including units in Penzance, Cambridgeshire and Merseyside.

Cadet Julie Davis wrote: "I was shocked and saddened when I heard the tragic news. RIP Alex, it was a pleasure to meet you at the unit. There is nothing that will lessen the pain that his family and close friends must be feeling at the moment and I can not bear to even begin to imagine what his family must be going through at this time. ((Hugs)) xx."

Charlie Cooper contacted the SNJ with this comment: "I am an ex-sea cadet from TS Worcester who visited TS Gloucester regularly and I'd like to thank Alex for everything he did for me throughout my years as a cadet.

"I will treasure our SCC memories forever. Alex was such a loving and caring young man who was a pleasure to meet!

"My thoughts and prayers go to Trish, Ezme and the rest of your family at this time! Rest in paradise Alex xxx."

Kelly Turley (formerly known as PO Cunuck) contacted the SNJ to say: “I was an ex-member of staff at TS Gloucester and Alex was one of my best cadets. 

“He was always there to give you a hand, he would help you with cadets or just in general. 

“I am shocked and upset of the news my prayers are with his family and friends and my thoughts go out to his mum and dad. Rip Alex xx.”

Kay Louise, who sent in the picture of members of the TS Gloucester unit with Alex, said: "Alex was a member of a very close family at sea cadets, everyone who met him and knew will miss him sorely.

"The family unit will never be the same without you Alex but we hope you will looking down to our tribute to you on Monday.

"Sweet dreams hunnie we'll love you always xxxx"

Christine Wilson said: "My cousin's step son. A credit to Trish and Andrew. Such a nice young man." 

Marcia Jacko, a retired art teacher from Churchdown School, said: "I was very sad to read of the death of Alex. He was a kind hearted and a pleasant pupil. I clearly remember teaching him. He was always eager to learn and help the lessons flow."
 

Anyone wishing to pay tribute to Alex should email tla@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk