RELATIVES and fellow soldiers have paid tribute to a Kent man killed in a tragic accident in Iraq.

Lt Tom Tanswell, aged 27, a former pupil at Norton Knatchbull School at Ashford, died after his Land Rover collided with a civilian vehicle.

He was serving with 58 (Eyre’s) Battery as part of the 12th Regiment of the Royal Artillery, stationed near Basra, which was nearing the end of its tour.

His mother, Victoria, said he had been proud to serve in the army. She added: “We have been overwhelmed with the number of people who have sent messages about all different aspects of Tom’s life.

“Everybody else will have their own image of Tom – to me he was a well-loved son.

“He was a round peg in a round hole in the army and had found something that gave him immense satisfaction and brought together all his talents. He was well aware of the risks and was prepared to run them to do his duty.”

Major Dai Ronson from the regiment added: “Tom was a bright young officer and his soldiers knew him as a soldiers’ friend.”

Lt Tanswell, who formely lived in Kennington Road, Willesborough Lees, Ashford, was a schoolboy at Norton Knatchbull from 1990 to 1997. He was also a Venture Scout.

After leaving school he studied business management and marketing at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. He completed his officer training at Sandhurst and was commissioned in August 2004.

In Iraq Lt Tanswell was a multiple commander in direct command of three vehicles and 12 men. The 58 Battery forms part of the Danish-led Basra Rural North Battle Group.

Mrs Tanswell and her husband Brian moved to St Livrade-sur-Lot in south-west France two years ago.

Lt Tanswell's commanding officer in Iraq, Major Marcus Tivey, said: “Tom was an immensely enthusiastic young officer, who embraced life with a vigour which inspired those around him.

“He was full of ideas and he always seemed to have a bright smile on his face.

“He wholeheartedly launched himself into everything he did, be it during the operational tour, on the sports field, or socially with his many friends. He participated in parachuting, hockey and sailing.

“Tom had planned a future for himself in the Army and was due to be promoted early next year.

“Tom was a fine officer who always looked out for his men. His friends and colleagues appreciated his easy, laid- back demeanour.

“The mark of the man was his boundless energy and infectious sense of humour. Tom was unforgettable and we were privileged to have served with him."

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENTISH EXPRESS