The girlfriend of a man who died following a collision near the Westfest music event in Shepton Mallet has issued a tribute to him.

Alex Osborne, 28, from Poole, Dorset, was found lying on the A37 Whitstone Road, near the Cannards Well pub, in the early hours of 29th October.

His girlfriend Lynsey George has issued the following tribute: “Alexander William Ashley Osborne, known to many as Alex, Al or Ozzy, grew up in Pitsea, Essex, with his family, where he enjoyed fishing and playing football. His love was West Ham United.

“In 2005, he enrolled in the British Army, serving for ten years in the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers), gaining promotion to Corporal. Alex travelled to Germany, Afghanistan and Dubai during his time in service.

“He left the Army in August 2015, when he carried on his fantastic work ethic into his new trade. We set up a new life in Poole, Dorset, where he loved living by the beach, going to the gym and doing as much as we could together and with the great friends he had.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Alex and all his achievements. He gave me the most amazing life over the last five years. We were planning to emigrate to Australia in 2019.

“Alex is not just my partner; he is my best friend in the whole world. The memories we made I will cherish forever, but the pain of losing him so early, with so many more plans we won’t get to do, devastates and hurts me so deeply.

“We had only got back from holiday two days before the incident, where we spent time swimming with wild dolphins and quadbiking. I know he had the most amazing time, and I’m grateful I knew he was so happy.

“We lived our life to the full, having fun and having no regrets. He helped and cared for others, putting them before himself, and he made great memories. Until we meet again handsome, I will love you forever and always.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has laid flowers and tributes at the scene, but we’d like to ask people to leave them further up the path where it’s safer, opposite the Cannards Well pub, or alternatively, down on Branksome Chine Beach in Dorset, where Alex loved to sit.

“Alex’s friends, family and loved ones are completely devastated, and if anyone is able to assist with the ongoing police investigation then we’d ask them to please do so.”