THE family of a former Hereford college student who died in a crash in Somerset have paid tribute to their "perfect son". 

Matthew Reeves, 26, was cycling along Bonhill Road, in the village of Bishop Sutton, at around 7.10pm on Thursday, July 8, when he was involved in a collision with a car.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene. Enquiries into the collision are ongoing.

Mr Reeves was born in Merthyr Tydfil, in South Wales, but his family moved to Hereford when he was young.

After studying for his A-levels at Hereford Sixth Form College, in Folly Lane, he went on to Cardiff University where he achieved a first class honours masters degree in physics.

His family said: “Matthew was extremely hard working. In each of the four years at Cardiff University, he won prizes for being the top student.

"He then moved to the West Country to pursue a PhD in condensed matter physics. It was while he stayed in Bath his love of cycling grew.

"He joined Bath Cycling Club where he enjoyed participating in the group rides and other social activities.

“Matthew made many friends from Cardiff, Bristol and Bath universities along with many more with Bath Cycling Club.

“Matthew was the perfect son. He was honest, hardworking, funny, full of life and always treated everyone with respect, especially his parents.

“Sadly, Matthew passed away just a few months before finishing his PhD. Matthew was loved by everyone and will be dearly missed.”

Specialist officers continue to offer support to Mr Reeves's family.