Tributes to much-loved Ed

The family of a 22-year-old man who died in a crash at the weekend have paid tribute to a son and brother with a "huge personality".

Edward Atkinson, who is a former pupil at Beechen Cliff School in Bath, had been driving towards Salisbury in Wiltshire when the accident happened just after 9am on Sunday.

His car collided head-on with a Landrover on the A36 and Mr Atkinson died at the scene.

Mr Atkinson, who lived in Camerton, was born in Yeovil and spent the first few years of his life in Bruton, where he went to primary school.

He moved to Bath nearly 15 years ago and attended Moorlands Junior School before going on to Beechen Cliff.

In a statement, his family said he would probably be best remembered at school for being the class joker.

It read: "His games teachers will remember him best for faking letters from his mum to get out of PE lessons.

"School for Ed was a hindrance to his social life which was always so full."

It continued: "Ed had a huge personality that everyone who ever met him experienced.

"He would walk into a room and the energy he brought in was immense, and then the jokes would start or the stories of his day told and before you knew what had happened and no matter how bad a day you had, Ed would have you laughing."

Beechen Cliff assistant head Kant Mann, who taught Mr Atkinson, said: "Ed was a popular cheerful student with a wide circle of friends.

"He enjoyed his time at Beechen Cliff and regularly contributed to the wider life of the school.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."

Mr Atkinson, who has two sisters and two brothers, spent a short time in Hayesfield School's sixth form before leaving to go to Wiltshire College in Trowbridge.

He then began work as an apprentice electrician for Bristol firm Lloyd Blackmore but left last year to work for Relaystation, a voice and text messaging broadcaster, originally as an accounts manager before moving into sales.

The statement added: "He is going to be so sorely missed, by so many, life will not be the same.

"Everyone will remember him with his wicked smile and beautiful blue glistening eyes."

His friend Lagan Purdy said he "could make anything funny."

Friends have also been paying tribute to him via a group on social networking site Facebook, which nearly 200 people have joined.

Within their statement his family included a message about road safety.

It read: "Ed always thought he was invincible; he lived for adventure and had no fear.

"Ed's family beg you all to please slow down, don't put your families through the pain they are feeling.

"A car will not protect you if it all goes wrong in the spilt-second."

His funeral will be held at Haycombe Cemetery on Monday at 11am.

After the accident the 53-year-old woman driver of the Landrover was taken by air ambulance to Salisbury District Hospital.

She is still in a serious but stable condition in its intensive care unit.

Her 22-year-old daughter was a passenger in the car and was also taken to hospital but has now been released.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the incident, which happened between Warminster and Salisbury.

Officers are keen to trace seven or eight drivers who were travelling southbound near Codford St Mary at the time of the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC David Cooper on 0845 4087000.