Tributes have been paid to a Wiltshire Air Ambulance pilot who died of cancer aged 42.

Rob Collingwood, described by the charity as a “much-admired pilot”, died on Tuesday, April 4, after a short battle with cancer.

Mr Collingwood joined the county’s air ambulance charity in 2016 after serving for more than a decade in the British Army.

During that time, he flew Lynx helicopters in the Army Air Corps.

He also spent a year in the North Sea, flying to the oil rigs.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance said they were “heartbroken” at the news and paid tribute to Mr Collingwood, who will be fondly remembered as a team player who kept his colleagues fed with his famous South African braais.

A spokesperson said: “Rob loved working for the charity and the staff loved him. He was so passionate about our cause and understood the importance of being a team player.

“He had a real passion for environmental sustainability, a strong faith and was always positive.

“Most of all, Rob enjoyed keeping the team fed with his famous South African braais (barbeques).

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob’s wife, children, family and friends at this time. The charity will be providing support to all our staff during this period of mourning.”