A SOLDIER from the North-East has died in a training accident in the United States.

Sergeant Andrew Jowers, of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, was one of two people who died in a road accident in Arizona last Wednesday.

The 36-year-old, from Ormesby, Middlesbrough, had been due to return home to his wife Carol-Ann and his three sons for Christmas on December 22.

A spokesman for the Army said: "The tragic death of Sgt Jowers has left an immense feeling of loss among his friends and colleagues in the regiment.

"He was a huge credit to his family, to the Royal; Artillery and the wider Army.

"He will be sorely missed."

* Full story in tomorrow's Northern Echo.