Thousands of pounds have been donated to charity in memory of a young soldier who died after a car crash in Qatar.

Lance Corporal Sarah Holmes, 27, was a member of the 29 Postal Courier and Movement Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, based near Cirencester.

The former King Alfred's school pupil was buried with full military honours in Wantage in October.

Donations in Sarah's honour, sent from around the world, have now topped £3,000.

Family and colleagues paid moving tributes to a young woman with a heart of gold and a diligent officer who was an "absolute perfectionist".

The collection taken at her funeral at SS Peter and Paul Church raised almost £1,000, and numerous donations have been made from family, friends and well-wishers.

Sarah's father Fred said: "This is a fantastic amount that has been raised in Sarah's memory.

"As a family we have been devastated by her death, but we have also been deeply touched by the warmth shown by so many people."

Mum Dawn said: "We knew how much Sarah meant to us but we have had cards, flowers an donations from people we did not even know telling us how important Sarah was to them too."

Sarah's brother David added his thanks to everyone who contributed.

He said: "I am very proud of my sister who was a great person. I loved her dearly and I miss her so much."

The family has decided to split the donations between the Army Benevolent Fund and the Defence Medical Welfare Services.

For over 60 years the ABF has helped provide financial and practical support to soldiers, former soldiers and their families.

The DMWS provides practical and emotional support to military personnel in hospital and their families. Sarah and her family were supported by DMWS staff at Selly Oak in Birmingham, where Sarah was treated.