TRIBUTES have been paid to a soldier who died in a "tragic diving incident" at the National Diving Centre near Chepstow.

Lance Corporal George Partridge had been based with the 26 Engineer Regiment at Swindon Barracks in Perham Down, near Tidworth.

A statement on the regiment’s Facebook page said: "It is with great sadness that we must announce the death of Lance Corporal George Partridge on Monday, March 26, during the final week of his Army Diver Course.

"This is a tragic loss to his wife, family, 26 Engineer Regiment and the Corps of Royal Engineers.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues and we ask you respect their privacy in these difficult times."

An army spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm that Lance Corporal George Partridge died in a tragic diving incident on March 26 at the National Dive Activity Centre, Chepstow.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time. The incident is being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”