THE family of a young man who died following a crash in Twyning said they will remember him as "a larger than life character" who put everyone before himself.

Mark Walker passed away way in Frenchay Hospital in Bristol with serious head injuries after his car left the carriageway and collided with a telegraph pole on the A38 just before 3am on April 23 as it was travelling towards the M50.

Born in Bristol, but raised in Tewkesbury, the 22-year-old went to school Tewkesbury C of E Primary School, in Chance Street, then Tewkesbury Comprehensive.

After school he went on to work at Fixing Point in Cheltenham.

His mum Tina Walker said “From the day that Mark learned to talk, he talked, from the day that he learned sing, he sang. That was Mark, he was always singing, playing practical jokes on everyone, and ready pick you up if you were down with one of his famous ‘Marky Cuddles’”.

Kelly, Mark’s sister added that he loved his family, especially his nieces Riley, Morgan and Summer: “He idolised them and they loved him. He would have done anything for them," she said.

Mark’s dad Chris added: “Tina and I would like to thank officers from Gloucestershire and Avon & Somerset Police for all of their help. Their support and honesty has helped us try and deal with the situation”.

Mr Walker also extended his thanks to the medical teams at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where Mark was initially taken.

“The doctors and nurses at both hospitals worked so hard to save Mark’s life and we will be forever grateful for their efforts," he said.