TRIBUTES have been paid to a north Cumbrian soldier who has died suddenly in Windsor.

Lance Corporal Joel Robinson served with The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment based at Combermere Barracks in Windsor.

The circumstances surrounding his death have not been released.

Joel, 24, attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith and was a former pupil of Carlisle theatre school StagedRight.

He starred in a number of productions including Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast and attended classes for about three years.

David and Sallie McNeil, who run StagedRight, said: “Joel was in a number of our productions before moving to London and joining the Household Cavalry.

“Our thoughts are with his family, and friends.”

Joel’s guardian, Dee Lockhart, who lives at Walton, near Brampton, said: “He had so many friends who adored him.

“He was at the Army Training College at Harrogate when he joined our family.

“He came home on leave when he could and the house seemed full of mayhem and music when he was here.

“He took his beloved dog Egg everywhere with him. Egg came from Germany when Joel was stationed at Paderborn.

“Joel enriched our family from the moment he joined it, beyond words.

“His affectionate nature, huge circle of amazing friends, his habit of repeating the only two lines of a song he knew - so many memories of a man whose parting leaves the world a darker and quieter place. Shine on you crazy diamond.”

A spokeswoman for the Household Cavalry said: “We can confirm that a soldier has died on March 25, 2019 while on duty in Windsor.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this difficult time.”

Joel, who was an accomplished horseman, taught many people how to ride.

Sarah Stowe said on Facebook: “Joel was a wonderful man. He helped teach my daughter to ride when we were in Sennelager.”

Joel’s friend Jem Beeson said: “His massive personality will leave such a big hole in many people’s lives. He really was and always will be one in a million.”

Friend Harry Silk said: “One of the best blokes anyone could ever wish to have met, your short time on this earth was not in vain Robbo as you have taught so many, so much. RIP.”

Dee would like to make a book of memories about Joel and is asking people to take along photos and memories of him to his funeral which will be held on Tuesday, April 30 at Windsor Garrison Church at 1pm.

Dee said: “It will be a full military funeral.”

Joel’s family is being supported by an Army welfare officer.