TRIBUTES have been paid to a young man whose body was discovered in woodland.

Alex Burnett, 21, who spent a year at Canterbury Christ Church University before leaving with credits, died in the Hightown Hill area of Ringwood last week.

The popular rugby union fan worked at the Tap and Railway in Station Road, West Moors, as well as working at Coastal Car Sales and Service in Ferndown as a valet.

He left Ringwood School in 2008.

Yesterday, the company’s manager Arran Campbell said Alex was a “great member of staff”.

Chris Edwards, head of Ringwood School, also paid tribute to Alex.

She said: “Alex left Ringwood School in the summer of 2008.

“He was a bright, well-liked young man, who was popular with his peers.

“Alex always had good attendance at Ringwood School, enjoyed his sports and moved on to college to further his career. Our thoughts and best wishes go to his family at this difficult time.”

Friends have taken to social networking service Facebook to express their sadness.

“Ringwood has lost another familiar young face at such a young age,” said Dan Hall.

He called on others to hold a “car cruise” to show their respect to Alex, and another friend added that the tribute event would be held within the next few weeks.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: “This incident was reported to us at 8.55pm on Friday, June 14. Officers located a body in the Hightown Hill/Common area after a car was found. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.”

It is understood that Alex was reported missing before the discovery of his car.

An inquest opened into Alex’s death on Tuesday morning and it was announced the cause of death was hanging.