TRIBUTES have been paid to the third person to die following last week's military helicopter crash.

Private Sean Tait died in hospital on Friday from injuries sustained in the tragedy last Wednesday near Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire.

Pilot Flight Lieutenant David Sale, 28, and crewman Sergeant Phillip Burfoot, 27, were killed when the RAF Puma helicopter crashed in a field.

Seven other recruits, a member of staff from Catterick's Infantry Training Centre and an airman were injured in the accident .

Pte Tait was serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland. He was aged 17 and from Castlemilk, in Glasgow.

He joined the Army last month and was being trained at the Infantry Training Centre.

Pte Tait's platoon commander, Captain Rob Earle, described him as progressing well with his training and growing in professional confidence.

He added: "Sean was a positive and well-liked member of Assaye Platoon. He never lost his Glasgow sense of humour as he adapted to Army life - a quality that served him well on the combat infantryman's course. He will be sorely missed by all in his platoon."

Company commander Major Neil Wright, of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, remembered Pte Tait as "a committed and enthusiastic young recruit".

"His loss has been a real blow not only to his Platoon but also to the Company as a whole. We have lost a real friend and professional colleague," said Maj Wright.

And Pte Tait's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Thornton, said: "His sharp sense of humour and gritty approach to infantry training are just the qualities we need from today's young infantry soldier - he had a bright future."

A full investigation into the accident is being carried out by both North Yorkshire police and the military authorities.