A DREAM trip turned to tragedy after a Runcorn student fell to his death in Australia.

Josh Furber, aged 20, slipped on rocks near a waterfall and plunged 300ft over a cliff in the Blue Mountains.

A month earlier, he posted on Facebook: “This is the best experience of my life and I can honestly say I am living out my dreams.”

It is believed that Josh was four months into a year long adventure.

New South Wales police said Mr Furber had travelled with friends from Sydney, where he was working as a barman at Bondi Beach.

Josh was studying construction management at Leeds University.

His mum, Jayne, said: “Josh has been taken away from us in a tragic accident whilst travelling in Australia. We are devastated, though we know he was having a great time, with good friends in a beautiful part of the world.

"We now need time to be on our own as a family, to support each other and cherish our proud memories of a wonderful son and brother.”

Josh's parents, Jayne and Mark and sisters, Danielle and Beth paid tribute to him.

If you wish to pay tribute to Josh, leave your condolences here or e-mail newsroom@worldgroup.co.uk