TRIBUTES have been paid to a man from Calcot near Cirencester who died in a hot air balloon crash.

Peter Gregory has been named by police as the man who died in an air balloon accident in Ombersley just north of Worcester on Sunday.

His family has paid tribute to the 25-year-old, who is reported to be from Calcot near Fossebridge.

They said: "Peter Gregory, 25 years of living life to the full.

"On the morning of Sunday, June 25, our Pilot Pete took one last flight, doing what he loved.

"Be it in a hot air balloon or as an airline pilot, Peter's passion for flying was something his family and friends could only admire and support him towards.

"When he set his heart to something, he'd never give up, he was driven and determined, and one could only watch on in awe.

"We will fly together again soon Pete.

"We love you.

"Dan, mummy, daddy and Emma"

"During this difficult time, please respect the privacy of friends and family."

Police were called after an air balloon fell to the ground in a field off Holt Fleet Road near the A449 at Ombersley.

An eyewitness who called 999 said: “There were lots of balloons in the sky because it was clear and sunny despite being so early.

“Suddenly there was a flash and what looked like a fireball coming from a blue balloon and it just dropped like a stone."

The circumstances surrounding the incident are being invested by the Air Accident Investigation Branch.

While specialist family liaison officers are supporting the family, there is no other police involvement.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "At 6.20am on Sunday, police received a call that a hot air balloon had deflated and fallen to the ground near the A449 at Ombersley.

"Emergency services attended and unfortunately a man was pronounced dead by paramedics.

"The Air Accident Investigation Branch will now carry out an investigation."