TRIBUTES have been paid to a former pupil at an exclusive North Dorset school who died on the trip of a lifetime. Adam Coombs, 19, completed his studies at Bryanston School near Blandford last year and had been on a gap year trip in India.

Adam was the son of former Conservative MP Derek Coombs, 79, a wealthy businessman who represented Birmingham Yardley from 1970 to 1974, and the chairman of Prospect magazine, who lives in Dorset.

In a statement, the family said: “Adam had just finished several weeks teaching in a local school and was due to travel south to Delhi to join friends.

“He was staying in a hostel in Manali on May 27, and was found dead in the morning.

“He effectively went to sleep and never woke up.

“He will be dreadfully missed by his family and friends.”

Adam was found in his bed by another former Bryanston pupil, Ross Taylor, at the Orchard guest house, some 350 miles north of the Indian capital.

A spokesman for Bryanston School described Adam as a popular student who would be fondly remembered by those who knew him.

“Staff and students were very saddened to hear news of the untimely death of Adam Coombs, a former student of the school.

“Although he left the school last summer to spend a gap year in India before going to university, Adam is fondly remembered as a popular and talented student who had a very promising future.

“It is a tragedy he should lose his life at such a young age and, naturally, our thoughts and prayers are with all members of his family and his friends,” the spokesman said.