A man who was killed when his hot air balloon crashed died doing “what he loved”, his family has said.

Peter Gregory died after his balloon caught fire and plummeted to the ground in Worcestershire early on Sunday.

The 25-year-old’s family said he lived life “to the full” – adding: “On the morning of Sunday 25 June, our Pilot Pete took one last flight, doing what he loved.

“Be it in a hot air balloon or as an airline pilot, Peter’s passion for flying was something his family and friends could only admire and support him towards.

“When he set his heart to something, he’d never give up; he was driven and determined, and one could only watch on in awe.

“We will fly together again soon Pete.”

Mr Gregory’s balloon came down near the village of Ombersley, and he was pronounced dead at the scene following the accident at about 6.20am on Sunday.

His death is being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), while the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) said it was aware of the incident.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the first-ever Worcester Balloon Festival at the city’s racecourse over the weekend.

The event was cancelled last month because of bad weather and was rearranged to take place from Friday to Saturday evening.

Organisers said the accident was not connected to the festival.

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