Service for mid-air crash victim

Friends and pupils paid tribute to Nicholas at a school memorial service

A school memorial service has been held for a teenage air cadet who died in a mid-air crash when his trainer plane collided with a glider in Oxfordshire.

Nicholas Rice, 15, of Calcot, Reading, Berkshire, died along with 62-year-old RAF reservist Michael Blee, in a crash over Sutton Courtenay on 14 June.

The civilian glider from Hampshire parachuted to safety and was unhurt.

Headteacher Sue Manser said pupils at the Elvian School in Reading, would not forget "kind" and "gentle Nick".

The service was conducted by the Reverend Forbes Walker and included tributes from his friends.

Mrs Manser said "Today's service was a chance for everyone here to pay respects to the friend they have lost and to assist them in their grieving. We will not forget Nick, his gentle and kind nature and the way he always supported his friends".

The Ministry of Defence is investigating the cause of the crash, which happened during a Combined Cadet Force air exercise with the RAF in Oxfordshire.