A 25-YEAR-OLD soldier who fought in Iraq has died after he was thrown from his car while driving home to see his family in Accrington.

Gunner Paul David Welch, of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, died with fellow squaddie Scott Lee Hollows, 20, of Whitworth, Rochdale, after their black BMW hit trees on the M1 near Leicester.

The accident happened when Paul was driving northbound on the motorway near Lutterworth, heading home for post-operational leave.

During the war Paul was based in Basra along with the 7th Armoured Brigade and his long-term friend Lance Bombardier Steven Dixon, from Accrington. Together they were part of 1 Armoured Division and performed a variety of duties including guarding Iraqi POWs and the airport.

Steven is the nephew of anti-war protester Dieter Seager, 28, of Washington Street, Accrington, who went out to Jordan to work for Operation Human Shield.

Paul was driving back from his base in Sennelager, Germany, at 1am last Friday when the accident happened. Steven's gran Jean Seager, 57, of Clarence Road, said it was a journey Paul would often take with her grandson.

The death is a triple tragedy for his family who live on Walter Street, Accrington - Paul's grandfather Robert Clark, 76, and his twin Frank died within two days of each other in March.

Paul's funeral will be held at St Peter's Church, Accrington, next Tuesday before his internment in a military grave in Accrington Cemetery, Burnley Road.

Jean said: "It's really sad and very shocking to think of it. I know Steven is shocked and horrified. They had gone through such an awful lot together."

Paul and Steven were in the same battery together. Steven was in the 7th Armoured Brigade and Paul was in the 12th Regiment.

"They were mates and had known each other for years. Paul's family lives around the corner and they had often travelled back home together. Steven is still away but he hopes to get back for the funeral."

A senior officer of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery said: "Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues. It is a tragic loss to the regiment."

An Army spokeswoman said: "I can confirm the two men killed were gunners who were returning home after serving in the Gulf.

"They were aged 20 and 25, and were from Accrington and Rochdale, in Lancashire. They were based with the Royal Artillery at Sennelager in Germany.

"They were part of 1 Armoured Division and were based in Basra fighting with the Desert Rats there."