FRIENDS have paid tribute to Wootton Bassett teenager Stewart Aitken, who died tragically on Friday.

The 18-year-old from Fox Brook was found dead in Clack Hill Yard in Bradenstoke on Friday night, hours after leaving a friend's home nearby.

Police believe that the teenager took his own life and have ruled out any suspicious circumstances.

Stewart's girlfriend Sophie McFarlane, 16, of Bradenstoke, said: "Stew was the most amazing person I have ever met and I know his memory will live on in all our hearts and minds.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He always had a cheeky grin on his face, one that lit up the room when he walked into it. We all love and miss him."

Close friend Stef Tyrie said: "It has hit us all hard. Stewart was a cheerful and friendly guy - a great friend to everyone - and this was extremely out of character.

"One thing's for certain - if Stewart is remembered for anything it won't be for taking his own life - he was a top guy and that's the Stew we'll remember."

The lads often met at The Woodshaw Inn where they would talk about music, Stewart's favourite football team Rangers, and their hopes for the future. Stef, 18, said: "It's strange to think he has gone. It's a big loss to get over."

Stewart had returned from Stirling University and was catching up with a friend on the night he died.

When he still hadn't returned home at 9.30pm police mounted a search. They found his body an hour later.

In spite of several attempts to revive the teenager, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The inquest into the 18-year-old's death opened yesterday.

A spokesman for the coroner's office added: "We are waiting for the coroner to make his official ruling but at this point in time we are sure there was no third-party involvement in Stewart's death."

Stewart went to Wootton Bassett School, where he achieved 10 GCSEs and A-levels in English, sociology, and economics and business.

School friend Alex Thomson said that Stewart's was a memorable face at the school and he could often be found playing football on the school field.

Alex, 18, said: "He was always a quiet guy but very cool and someone we won't forget."

Another old school friend Ed Giles said he chose to sit with Stewart because he was such fun to be with.

He said: "It was a complete shock as I'd assumed he would be happy. He never said anything to us, and no one really understands what's happened."

Wootton Bassett headteacher Chris Montacute said: "Stewart was a quiet, sensitive hard-working student."

A University of Stirling spokesperson said: "We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Stewart's family and friends."

Stewart's funeral will be held at St Bartholomew's Church in High Street, Wootton Bassett at 11am on December 28. The service will be followed by a private family cremation at Kingsdown Crematorium.

Stewart's parents have asked for family flowers only.