A MILFORD Haven mother is in mourning following the death of her second son in tragic circumstances.

Chris Banner, of Oaklands, died in the early hours of Monday after the car he was driving collided with a wall at high speed.

The 21-year-old postman's vehicle struck the front wall of the Milford Haven Community Learning Centre on St Peter's Road at 12.15am on Monday. Chris had spent an evening out with friends in Haverfordwest.

Emergency crews cut the unconscious youngster from his Fiat, which was thought to have struck the building at over 80mph. Chris later died of his injuries at Withybush Hospital. There was no-one else in the vehicle.

"We are absolutely devastated," said distraught mum Myra. "There is just nothing that prepares you for something like this.

"He was such a popular boy. He would do anything for anyone. Nobody had a bad word to say about him.

"Chris was very hard-working and so polite and respectful. He was everybody's friend and we have had hundreds of people here.

"There is just nothing I can say or do. You just do not expect anything like this to happen," she said.

"He was an absolutely lovely lad," said a family friend. "He was very popular and not the type of lad to drink and drive or take drugs."

Chris had been at Minnie's Nightclub in Haverfordwest with friends, but left relatively early.

"It was just after midnight and I heard an almighty bang," said a local resident. "I came out to see what had happened and saw the car. It was a complete write-off."

A Post Office spokesman said: "Chris was a very popular postman. His death is a great shock to all the staff and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

"Staff have been offered counselling to help them come to terms with the tragedy of losing a well-liked colleague.

Chris' older brother committed suicide in Bristol 12 years ago.

On Monday, council surveyors were inspecting the building to assess the damage, which is thought to be considerable.

Throughout Monday and yesterday (Tuesday), a steady flow of floral tributes to Chris Banner was laid by family and friends outside the Milford Haven Community Learning Centre.

Peter Doran, artistic director of the adjacent Torch Theatre said: "We have seen people coming up with flowers and we feel very sad for them."

After the accident, part of the damaged building was closed. A county council spokesman said: "Safety is a priority for our customers. Apart from one office which was damaged, the Learning Centre will be open today (Wednesday)."