The family of a veterinary surgeon who died after a car crash this week have paid tribute to an enthusiastic young man who brought joy to their lives.

Robert Ambrose suffered severe brain damage and a neck injury on Tuesday when his Ford Fiesta collided with a white Volkswagen Caddy van on the A137 at Wherstead, near the A14 junction.

The 24-year-old, from Clifton Wood, Holbrook, was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge where he died the following day.

His family, who rushed to be with their loved one, have paid tributes to the “vigour” with which he approached life.

In a statement, John and Chris Ambrose, his mother and father, younger brothers Stephen and Ben and his girlfriend Vicki, said: “We do not know why the crash happened but for us it is a tragic waste of a bright young life he was embarking on with a new job as a veterinary surgeon and his girlfriend,“ they said.

“We are immensely proud of Robert and his brothers for what they have achieved.

“Now we must remember the joy that Robert brought into our lives, his loud music, the mess around him but most his enthusiasm and vigour for life.

“Hopefully those of you who had met him will too, so many of you have sent kind messages so we know he has touched you too.”

According to Mr Ambrose’s wishes, his organs were donated and, his family said, “four people will have a better life as a result of this”.

Terry Barrett, assistant principal at Holbrook Academy, has also paid tributes to a “dream student” who completed all his dutues to a “really high standard”.

“He was hardworking, very caring and very popular but also very mature and down to earth,” he said.

“He had a clear goal in life, he wanted to get into sciences become a vet, and he worked towards that from an early age,

“He never brought a problem to the school and if you needed somebody to turn to if you wanted the school to be well represented then he was the one.”

Mr Barrett added that staff and pupils who remembered Mr Ambrose were “shocked and saddened” by the tragic loss”.

The 25 year old man van driver involved in the accident was taken to Ipswich Hospital where he was treated to injuries to his sternum and bruises. He has since been released.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the collision. If you were in the area and saw the two vehicles either prior to, or when the collision occurred you are asked to contact PC Allie Cotton at the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 101 quoting CAD 301 of 13 May.