A SOLDIER in the Rifles regiment died on Tuesday while on a training exercise in the Brecon Beacons, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier who died in Brecon while on a training exercise has been described by his family as a "beautiful grandson" and a "superfit boy".

Josh Hoole, from Ecclefechan near Lockerbie in Scotland, was a member of The Rifles regiment.

The 26-year-old, who died on Tuesday, was on pre-course training for the Platoon Sergeants' Battle Course, which is described as "both mentally and physically demanding".

His grandfather, John Craig, said: "He was a beautiful grandson.

"He was a dedicated soldier. He always wanted to be top dog. He was a superfit boy, he kept very fit."

The incident happened at around 6.30am, Mr Craig said.

Temperatures on Tuesday peaked at just above 30C (86F) in Brecon, the Met Office said.