TRIBUTES have been paid to a 21-year-old Basingstoke man who died in a car crash on May 3.

Joshua Perkins, of Ochill Close, Buckskin, was killed in the crash which happened on the A339 near Kingsclere just before 7.16am, when a Ford Fiesta collided with a Vauxhall Antara.

The driver of the Vauxhall, a 56-year-old man, was injured in the crash and taken to hospital. His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Hundreds of people have paid tribute on social media sites to former Basingstoke College of Technology student Josh, who previously worked for local charity SeeAbility.

His girlfriend Joanne Pritchard posted a heartbreaking message on Facebook, saying: “My soul mate my best friend and the love of my life has been taken away from me. You were here this morning kissing me goodbye and now [I'll] never get to feel your lips again or hear you say I love you or moan about your hair line or make me laugh not just a little, until my belly hurts!

“You picked up my broken pieces and stuck them all together and you have always loved me unbelievable amounts just like I love you and always will baby.

“My life and his family's have been tipped upside down and this is the hardest thing.”

Sarah Kenrick, manager of SeeAbility’s Heather House, said: “We were greatly saddened to hear the tragic news about Josh.

“He was a support worker at Heather House from January until October last year and was a delightful and popular young man. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Others paid tribute on The Gazette website.

One read: “R.i.p Josh you will be missed by so many, taken too soon, you always had such a lovely smile on your face, look over your family they miss you lots.”

Anther posted: “Josh, I found out on Sunday, your friends from SeeAbility miss you so much, you were an amazing guy, full of life, always so happy and cheeky!!! We are raising a glass on the weekend to celebrate the life of one of the nicest most caring guys I know who has been taken from this life far too soon. R.I.P Josh.”

She added: “Rest in Peace my beautiful, amazing, caring, light of my life. For now it’s goodbye but [I'll] see you again one day. I love you more than words can say and I miss you even more.”

An inquest into his death has been opened.