By Saul Cooke-Black

A MINUTE'S silence will be held at Gloucester Old Boys RFC today in memory of former player Alex Harding who has been named as the victim of the M5 crash.

Alex, 21, will be remembered at the team's home match against Bishopston which kicks-off at 2.15pm.

Tributes have been pouring in for Alex, who worked as an apprentice at Stonehouse-based Delphi Diesel Systems.

A minute's silence will be held in his memory at Delphi 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."

Gloucester Sea Cadets posted the following statement on Facebook: "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 this morning and is no longer with us.

"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."

Lorraine Donaldson posted: "So sad. I remember him a lovely person."

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."

Alex 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) at around 5.30am on Thursday.

The lorry driver was not injured.

The Gloucestershire Coroner has been informed.

Witnesses can call police on 101, quoting incident 47 of November 12.

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