A PROMISING basketball star has been killed in a car crash at the age of 23.

Matthew Bromley, of Warminster, died after his car was in collision with a lorry near Chilcompton, Somerset, last Wednesday. Mr Bromley, a former pupil at the Clarendon College, Trowbridge, was a rising star in the basketball world, playing for Trowbridge Hawks and Bristol's national league team, the Filton Flyers.

Hawks' coach Vince Marriott said: "He was incredibly friendly and he always had a smile on his face. He was such a good lad and this has been such a shock. "You can't prepare yourself for something like this to happen to a 23-year-old. His parents must be absolutely devastated. He was a real credit to them."

Mr Bromley grew up in Trowbridge and began playing basketball as a teenager at school.

In 1996 his team at the Clarendon College won through to the England Schools National Final. Clarendon College headteacher Colin Kay said: "Matthew was an excellent student who made a great contribution to Clarendon.

"Among other things he was a fantastic basketball player and represented the college.

"He was one of the star players representing Clarendon at the National Championships and in later years went onto coach. "He is a very fondly remembered student."

He went on to join Trowbridge Hawks, scoring an average of 15 points a game last season and six times voted the most valuable opposition player by sides the team faced. Last season he had also joined the Filton Flyers to play the game in the national league.

Andrea Kapoulas, of the Filton Flyers, said: "Matt was one of the most talented young players in the Bristol basketball area. "His sudden departure has shocked everyone who knew him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

As well as playing the game he loved, Mr Bromley coached children at primary and secondary schools in Trowbridge where his cheeky, easygoing manner, made him popular. After leaving Clarendon he attended Bath University where he studied for a diploma in sports coaching.

He worked at Halfords at Bradley Road, Trowbridge, and his family still live in the town.

His mother and stepfather, Dianne and Geoffrey Crucefix, of Burnett Road, Trowbridge, were this week too upset to talk about the accident.

Mr Bromley was travelling towards Midsomer Norton when his car was in collision with a lorry at a crossroads at the junction of the B3139 and the B3355. He was taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath after the accident, which happened just after 9am, but later died. Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

The funeral service will be held at the West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington, at 1pm today. Family flowers only, donations can be made to the British Heart Foundation, c/o Barker and Courtiers Funeral Directors, Bond Street, Trowbridge.

Mr Marriott has started a book of condolence and he can be contacted on (01225) 762010 or email vincemarriott@yahoo.co.uk