A YOUNG Vale man who died following an accident in France has been described as 'a shining light' in the community.

Leon Hughes, aged 21, from Wickhamford, died on Tuesday following a car accident in Angers last Thursday.

His parents, Noel and Elaine Hughes, were not expected to return from France until yesterday evening.

Leon's former headmaster, Tim Sara, of St Benedict's High School in Alcester, said: "We were devastated to hear the terrible news.

"Leon was a pupil here from aged 11 to 16, eventually becoming head boy.

To be the head boy of a successful school, you have to be something special.

"Leon was a genuinely very good person who believed in doing what was right.

"He was a likeable and mature young man who was one of the readers at his grandfather's funeral, Dudley Hughes, a well-known figure in Evesham.

"Leon was a shining light. Very academic ,with leadership qualities, and had a great future ahead of him."

Mr Sara said he believed the young man was about to start his third year at university.

He said the pupils at St Benedict's knew about Leon's accident and had prayed for him throughout his fight for life.

Today there was to be a repose for his soul at the school.

Mr Sara said Leon also leaves a younger brother, Lloyd.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Philip Tomlins funeral directors of Evesham.