THE parents of a bright and popular young man, who died tragically last month, have paid tribute to their 'friend and son' writes Claire Hallett.

Richard Orchard, who had recently turned 25, died in the early hours when he fell from the sixth floor of a hotel in Germany on September 26.

He had been attending the famous Oktoberfest in Munich when the tragedy happened.

Around 100 tributes from friends had been left on the folk enthusiast's Facebook page.

Richard had lived in Yelverton since 1987 when his family moved back to Devon.

He recently moved to Peverell, sharing a flat with a friend.

The former Devonport High School for Boys pupil was a chairman of the school's council. He held a Diana Princess of Wales Award for service to the community and a BSc in public policy administration from Birmingham University.

Richard's parents, Tom and Sandy Orchard, spoke of their 'fun and friendly son', who had a great sense of humour — and a deep, thoughtful side.

Mrs Orchard said: 'Richard really liked people — they were so important to him.

'He had a large circle of friends and still saw his old school friends, he kept in touch with everybody and everybody loved him. He was a happy soul.

'If ever he had any problems he'd go up on the moors and have a think, he had a lot of deep thoughts.'

Richard, a buyer for DML in Plymouth, was planning to do an MSc in Transport Planning at Leeds University next year.

Mr Orchard said Richard was popular with both friends, teachers and parents when he was at school and had left them with so many memories.

He said: 'He once bought a dictaphone and recorded various things the teachers were saying in class. He edited the recordings so what the teachers were saying ended up quite amusing and then he sold the tapes around the school.

'Eventually what he was doing got back to the headteacher and Richard spent the whole summer holidays worried about it.

'What he didn't realise was that the teachers all thought it was hilarious!'

A keen runner, Richard joined Stannary Hash Harriers when he was 12 and served on the committee at various times. He was also an avid Plymouth Argyle supporter and a season ticket holder.

An only child, Richard had a passion for live music, particularly Plymouth band Mad Dog Mcrea and folk singer and musician Seth Lakeman.

Mr Orchard said he would be remembered by many for always taking pictures while on a night out: 'Richard always had his camera and we have many of his photos to remember him by.

'He also did many part-time jobs while at school — at times two on the same day.

'He raised enough money to travel across the world to New Zealand in the gap year between school and university, which he loved.

'He was a good friend to young and old alike, he found it easy to mix with other generations.

'I have lost a friend as well as a son — any room was brighter when Richard came in.

'He had a dry sense of humour and a huge sense of fun.

'He packed an immense amount into his short life and enjoyed it to the full — this is how he would want us all to remember him.'

Mrs Orchard added: 'We have a lot of lovely memories of Richard — 25 years wasn't long enough, but it's been an eventful 25.'

Richard's body was flown home this week.

His funeral is expected to be held in the next two weeks.