COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to "dedicated and promising" student Alex Shoulder who died in hospital with his family by his side, following a car accident.

Friends at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, at High Wycombe, are in mourning and have been offered counselling following the death of the well-liked teenager.

Alex, 19, who was in his second year studying for a degree in media with film and video, had been walking home from the part-time job he had to help support him at university when he was in collision with a blue Cavalier in Totteridge Road, High Wycombe, at 8.45pm on Thursday.

His family, from Billericay, Essex, were at his side after he was taken to Wycombe Hospital but he died the following day from his injuries.

Ruth Gunstone, head of the department of arts and media, said all the students were extremely shocked by what had happened.

She added: "It seems such a waste of his young life. He was just working his way through his degree. Everyone is feeling very shocked and distressed about the whole thing.

"Our sympathy goes to his family who must be feeling devastated. He was such a quiet, conscientious student and was well-liked by his colleagues."

She said: "Students are in the middle of their exams at the moment and it has been very difficult. The university has provided counselling for those students who feel they need someone to talk to. It is very difficult because it is so soon afterwards and things like this have a harsh impact particularly from those close to him."

Simon Booth, spokesman for the students' union at the university, said that all the students' thoughts were with the devastated family.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol in connection with the incident and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Any witnesses to the incident should call, PC Sam Byrne at Amersham traffic police on (01494) 465888