Soldier dies in paragliding crash

Maj Blake had recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq

A British soldier has been killed in a paragliding crash during a military training exercise in Spain.

Major Alex Blake, of Gwent, is thought to have died instantly when he crashed into a tree in Cenes de la Vega resort, in the Granada region, on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Defence described the death of the 35-year-old soldier from the Royal Logistic Corps as tragic.

It is thought he crashed after attempting a manoeuvre in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Maj Blake, a father of two, was an ammunition technical officer and had recently returned from operational duty in Iraq.

All who met him were touched by his friendliness, charm, infectious enthusiasm and thirst for adventure Major Dave Wilson

He had also served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kosovo.

Major Dave Wilson, the chairman of the Army Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, said he was "numb with grief" over the death of his friend.

"He was always upbeat and buoyant with an endearing nature and caring character," he said.

It is thought the soldier died instantly

"In all the time I have known him I rarely saw him without his trademark smile.

"All who met him were touched by his friendliness, charm, infectious enthusiasm and thirst for adventure."

Maj Wilson said his thoughts were with Maj Blake's wife, Vicki, and children, Tom and Lola.

Cenes de la Vega is a popular resort for hang-gliding and paragliding.