AN ARMY reservist from Brecon has been named as one of five military personnel killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas of the Intelligence Corps was aboard the Lynx helicopter that went down during a routine flight in Kandahar on Saturday, April 26.

Lance Corporal Thomas, 26, was described by his commanding officer as 'young enthusiastic and highly capable'.

He first joined the army as a reservist in June 2011 and joined 3 Military Intelligence Battalion in July 2012.

He volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan and arrived in December.

His family said: "Oliver was a truly amazing person, living his life to the full, while fulfilling some of his many dreams and adventures.

"He was very much loved and will be greatly missed by his grieving family and friends."

Lance Corporal Thomas also worked as a researcher for Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams.

Mr Williams said: "Not only was it a pleasure to work alongside Oli for many years, but I consider it a privilege to have been able to call him a friend.

"We were all so proud of him when he first joined the Army Reserves. His integrity and strength of character made him the perfect ambassador for our country.

"Oli's family have so much to be proud of in their son. Our thoughts are with them at this particularly difficult time. We all miss him dearly."

The MoD has confirmed the other troops who lost their lives were Captain Thomas Clarke, Warrant Officer Spencer Faulkner Corporal James Walters, all of the Army Air Corps and Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan of the Royal Air Force.

Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond said his 'deepest sympathies' are with the families and friends of the servicemen and an investigation is underway to find out the cause of the crash.

The MoD has denied Taliban claims the helicopter was shot down by insurgents.