THE community of Malmesbury has been left reeling after one of the town's most popular and respected family doctors died in an aircrash last week.

Dr Chris Townsend, 48, died when the microlight he was flying crashed in a field near Cotswold Edge Golf Course, near Wotton-uner-Edge, Gloucestershire, on Wednesday last week.

The crash, which happened in adverse weather conditions at about 7pm, also claimed the life of Dr Townsend's passenger, Chief Inspector Ian Jones, from Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The pair had been friends since their schooldays together at Crypt Grammar School in their home city of Gloucester.

Chief Insp Jones, 46, was based in the force's operations department in Bamfurlong, near Cheltenham.

Dr Townsend, who had been a GP at Malesbury's Gable House Surgery for 15 years, lived with his wife Mandie in Norton, near Malmesbury.

He had a 22-year-old son Matthew and 20-year-old daughter Bethe from a previous marriage.

Mrs Townsend, 31, who is expecting their first child in December, is a registrar at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

She said, "We have been together for nine years, he was a fantastic husband and a great father and he was so excited about becoming a dad again.

"Everyone who knew him loved him, I can't believe this has happened.

"He was well liked and respected in the local community; he loved helping people, we even used to get calls to our home from local residents looking for advice."

Mrs Townsend added, "He loved flying. He would be out at least every week in his plane, it's what he enjoyed most.

"He was best friends with Ian (Chief Inspector Jones) they've been friends since school.

"Ian was best man at Chris' first wedding."

His brother Mark, 52, who is also a GP said, "He was a kind and helpful man, always there to offer practical help and advice, we will miss him terribly."

David Grogan, practice manager at Gable House Surgery, said: "The doctors, nurses, staff and patients of Gable House Surgery are shocked and devastated by the tragic news of Dr Chris Townsend's death.

"His family meant the world to him and our thoughts are with them at this time.

"Everyone knew Chris as a man of great energy and enthusiasm, both in his practice of medicine and his love of flying.

"We would like to thank our patients for the many kind messages of sympathy and ask for their understanding while the surgery comes to terms with events.

"A book of condolences is available in reception for anyone wishing to make an entry.

"Words cannot relay how much we will all miss a loved and respected friend and colleague."

Shocked Malmesbury resident David Hide had been a patient at Gable House Surgery throughout Dr Townsend's time there.

He said: "I always found him to be very competent and considerate and he was always a very friendly and helpful GP for me and my family."

An inquest into the double tragedy was opened and adjourned by the Gloucester Coroner's office last Friday.

The remains of the microlight have been taken away for examination by the Air Accident Investigation Branch Headquarters in Farnborough.