THE family of a former Royal Wootton Bassett Academy pupil, who died in a car crash in Lyneham, has paid tribute to their son. 

William James Ainsworth, 20, was travelling in the rear passenger seat of a VW Golf carrying three others when the crash happened on the A3102 at Snow Hill at 12.50am on Saturday.

The driver and the other backseat passenger suffered minor injuries while the front seat passenger sustained a serious arm injury.

His family released a tribute this morning.

They said: "William James Ainsworth, adored son of Wendy and Michael, and deeply loved brother of Amelia was born on August 20, 1997.

"He died on September 30 following a road traffic accident whilst visiting friends in Lyneham. 

"William, a former pupil of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, was living in London with his parents. A part of his heart, however, was always in the Wiltshire countryside and with his lifelong friends, whom he lovingly referred to as his 'second family'. 

"It was William's one stated ambition to return to the area and to his friends, following the successful completion of his Business Studies at Bexley College. 

"A wonderful, kind, gentle, fun and loving soul, William made time for everyone and enriched the lives of all he met.

"He will remain in our hearts forever and be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy's headteacher George Croxford has also paid tribute to the 'endearing' young man.

He said: "The tragic news about Will has left us all truly devastated here at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy. We recall him with the fondest of memories. 

"Will spent many happy years with us here at the school, and his endearing nature meant he was such a popular character with staff and students alike.

"This was especially so at Sixth Form, where he was a major figure in his year group, where everyone knew and loved Will.

"Our sincerest sympathies go out to his friends and family, especially his devoted parents, at this very sad time."

The road has been described as a danger spot by nearby resident Tara Stoddard. 

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “This was obviously a tragic incident. However, it would be inappropriate to comment on it while the coroner’s inquest is open.

“We constantly monitor our roads so we can programme appropriate work to help improve safety, and should the coroner make any recommendations, we will of course look at the implications.”

Anyone with information about the crash should call Tri Force Roads Policing Unit on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.