TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Penrhyn Bay soldier who died while on a training exercise.

Craig Roberts, 24, formerly of Llandudno Road, was one of two Territorial Army soldiers who died while hiking through the Brecon Beacons as temperatures soared over the weekend.

The former Ysgol John Bright pupil was taking part in a 40-mile hike as part of a four-week training regime for TA SAS reservists.

Lance Corporal  Roberts was in the 3rd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, having served in the TA for more than five years - including a 6-month tour in Cyprus with the UN Peacekeeping Corps.

He was also working as a teaching assistant at Trinity School in Lewisham.

Mr Roberts’s father Kelvin said: “We are all devastated at the loss of our beloved Craig; this has left a massive hole in all our lives.

“We wholeheartedly supported Craig in his military endeavours and it gives us some comfort, though great sadness, that he died in the pursuit of his dream,” he said.

“Next month Craig was due to start a new post in the office of the Secretary of State for Education and we were all very proud of him.”

Penrhyn Bay councillor Linda Groom, said Craig’s parents Kelvin and Margaret and sister Elizabeth were “heartbroken” by his death.

She said: “I’m sure they’re heartrboken, and all his friends are devastated, and they’ve been putting messages up on Facebook because they’re really going to miss him.

“He was following his dream.

“He had a wonderful future ahead of him, and it’s all been taken away so suddenly.

“Everybody in Llandudno and further afield will be devastated.

“I hope the family can go through this and come to terms with it, because it’s absolutely tragic.”

The MoD said: “It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death of L/Cpl Craig Roberts and another Army reserve soldier during a training exercise in the Brecon Beacons at the weekend.

“Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.

“The families of the soldiers have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

A spokesperson from Trinity School, Lewisham, said: “The staff and pupils of Trinity School, Lewisham have been greatly saddened by the news of the tragic death of Craig Roberts.

“He showed dedication, commitment and great care for young people. In addition to his duties in lessons Craig ran a fitness club, taught Saturday morning revision sessions and helped lead residential trips.

“He was very committed to the common life of the school. Craig was proud of his military commitment and communicated that pride to Trinity pupils.

“We are pleased that Craig was able to be such a significant part of our community. We pray for him and for his family at this terrible time.”

Graham Davies, headteacher at Ysgol John Bright, said: “Craig studied at the school between 2000 and 2007, and came from a close family who strongly supported the school.

“He was a very polite young man, with drive and intelligence. It’s no surprise he joined the TA.

“The staff who knew Craig are terribly shocked, and would like to send their condolences to his family.”