A MONMOUTHSHIRE soldier killed in a car crash in Iraq was last night described as a "great leader of men".

Tributes are being paid to Major James Stenner, 30, who died when the car he was travelling in hit a wall in Baghdad.

The Welsh Guardsman, serving in Iraq on detached duty, was killed along with colleague Sergeant Norman Patterson, from Staffordshire.

The tragedy happened in the early hours of New Year's Day, but was only revealed by the Ministry of Defence yesterday.

A spokesman for the MoD refused to confirm reports that Major Stenner was a member of the SAS, but it is understood he was awarded the Military Cross for bravery at the start of the war last year.

Major Stanner's wife, Mary, who lives in Eign Hill, Hereford, is said to be expecting their child in April.

Major Stenner, known as Jimmy, joined the army in 1990 and is originally from Monmouthshire. His father Alan lives in Penallt, near Monmouth.

One friend, Major Richard Stanford, also of the Welsh Guards, served with Major Stenner and said: "This is a very sad loss both to his family and his regiment.

"Major Stenner stood out as a great leader of men who was enormously well-respected.

"He was a highly professional and very dedicated officer."

Gwent politicians also paid tribute to the dead soldier but his family declined to comment.