Tributes have been pouring in for a kind, clever and caring student who was confirmed dead yesterday following the tragic earthquake in Nepal.

Matt Carapiet, from Bearsted, was on his gap year in the remote Langtang valley when the quake - with a magnitude of 7.8 - struck on April 25.

The 23-year-old last made contact with his family from Kathmadu, Nepal's capital, six days before the disaster struck - killing around 7,800 people.

After the news broke his family paid a touching tribute to the architecture student.

“Matt was touring Asia in a gap year before planning to continue his architecture studies in the autumn.

“He spoke to us regularly about how much he was enjoying his travels and we know he was doing something that he loved. He had been trekking in Nepal for two weeks before the earthquake.

“Matt is loved by his family and friends who all have countless memories of how kind, happy and caring he was. He made a huge impression on the lives of everyone he met.”

The statement added that the family was going through a “very difficult time” and asked for privacy to grieve.

"He made a huge impression on the lives of everyone he met" - Matt's family

Elly Quaintance, a close friend, added: “Matt was absolutely one of a kind. Some of the memories together were some of the best I’ve had.

“I thank God that he was a part of my life at a time when I was so vulnerable, still working out where I fitted in, he was such a loyal, thoughtful, hilarious and protective friend who made you feel like he wanted to be around you.

“You have gone too soon dear friend and we’ll miss you terribly.”

University friend Tom Neely added: “Really devastated to hear this news.

“Matt was one of the very first friends I made when I came Nottingham and some of my absolute best memories of those first few years feature him in some way.

“He was an incredibly easy guy to like and never anything less than great fun to be around.

“Not many people manage to have such an impact on everybody they meet and the world is a worse place for not having him in it anymore. I’m truly sorry for your terrible loss.”

Emily Anderson added: “It’s hard to put into words how saddened I am by this news.

“Matt was an incredible person in so many ways - always kind, caring and inspiring yet modest despite his brilliance. He was an adventurer at heart - always looking for something new or different, and had the gift of seeing good or beauty in anything.

“He remains to this day one of the most amazing people I ever have and ever will meet, and I feel privileged to have been able to spend a lot of time with him. He will be missed by so many.”

Confirmation of Mr Carapiet's death came as the government revealed almost 100 more British Army Gurkhas had arrived in Nepal to help with the relief effort.

Hundreds of British military personnel have been sent to the country - including the latest 92 Gurkhas from 36 Engineer Regiment based in Maidstone.

They arrived in two groups over the last couple of days.