The Shropshire parents of Aiden Brookes, who died when the roof of a cave collapsed during a camping trip, spoke of their heartbreak at the loss of their “perfect gentleman” son.

Kirsty and Ashley Brookes said today they were struggling to come to terms with 16-year-old Aiden’s death and still expected him to walk in through the door.

The couple, of Paulbrook Road in Bridgnorth, said they had been comforted by the many messages of condolence and visits from Aiden’s friends.

Aiden, an A-level student at Oldbury Wells School, had been camping with friends in the Hermitage Caves in Bridgnorth when he was struck by rocks from a roof collapse shortly before 2am on Monday.

Jess Wright, 18, of The Hobbins in Bridgnorth, was also injured. Aiden was pulled from the rubble by his frantic friends but despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

Friends, neighbours, his school and representatives of sporting clubs he belonged to have been among those quick to pay tribute to the student.

Mr and Mrs Brookes said: “We both feel totally numb and are struggling to believe it’s happened.

“We still expect Aiden to come in through the front door or come down the stairs from his bedroom.”

Mr and Mrs Brookes have two other children, Kyron, two, and baby Bryce, who was born on March 26.

“Aiden was everything you could hope for from a son and was developing into a perfect gentleman,” said Mr Brookes.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised, but the service is likely to be held at the town’s St Mary’s Church on April 20 or 23.