THE family of a 51-year-old man killed by a lightning strike in the Brecon Beacons have paid tribute to a 'beloved husband and father'.

Jeremy Prescott, who was known as Jez, had been leading a Duke of Edinburgh expedition when he was struck by lightning in the Beacons at around midday on Sunday, July 5.

Another man, who has yet to be named, was also killed on a separate peak on Sunday and two other men injured.

Mr Prescott, from Telford, Shropshire, worked for Telford and Wrekin Council.

His family said, in a statement released through the authority: "We are obviously devastated to lose Jez, who was both a beloved husband and father, in such sudden and shocking circumstances.

"He was doing something he loved in a place he loved and had said only ten minutes before the incident happened that he was glad he was up on the mountain and that it was a lovely day.

"Jez was passionate about his work with young people for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which he had done part time for Telford & Wrekin Council since 2001."

The council said it will look at how it can pay tribute to Mr Prescott and his work in supporting young people in the borough.

A statement issued by the council said: "It is with great sadness that the Council can confirm the tragic death of our colleague Jez Prescott on Sunday. Our thoughts are with Jez's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.

"Jez was a part-time youth and community worker in our youth innovation team and had worked with the council since 2001 when he joined as a youth volunteer worker.

"He was a very dedicated individual who gave his time to help young people in the borough achieve their full potential and was a trained Duke of Edinburgh's Award support worker.

"It was in this role that Jez was a team leader for a DofE expedition on the Brecon Beacons when he was fatally struck by lightning in a sudden storm at a check point on the group's route."

Four mountain rescue teams had been called to separate incidents at the summits of Corn Du and Cribyn on Sunday.

The Brecon Mountain Rescue Team had been holding a training exercise below Pen y Fan on Sunday, when the storm broke.

Deputy team leader Mark Jones said there was no reason for those injured not to be out in the Beacons on Sunday, despite forecast storms.

He said neither he or any other team members had known people to have been struck by lightning in the Beacons before.

"I've not known it the Beacons, it's the sort of thing that happens in the Alps, when people are using ice axes and on much higher ground.

"They should have been up there and they should have been out enjoying the mountains. It is extremely unfortunate and you can't legislate for this sort of accident," said Mr Jones.

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