Robert Hayes, of Freeby Close, Melton, was killed after his car collided with a tree in Station Lane, between Asfordby and Kirby Bellars at about 6.50pm.

Dad David said: "He was due to go to New Year's celebrations at Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club, but he got diverted to Asfordby. We don't know why. All his mates were texting him because he was late.

"Whether he'd gone that way to pick someone up, we don't know, but it was a fatal decision."

Mum Denise, who lives with partner Sam in Celadine Drive, said: "He was incredibly special to us all. He was over the moon in November when he became an uncle to his sister's baby Ryann. He absolutely doted on him and used to call round just to cuddle him."

Mr Hayes added: "He was the perfect child. He was never in trouble and would help anybody. He was very sociable and would put himself out for anybody or anything. He had a very wide circle of friends and kept in contact with all his old school friends.

"I was told half of Melton came to a standstill when his friends heard news of his death."

Robert was a pupil at Old Dalby and Sherard primary schools and had planned to join the Royal Marines but broke his ankle playing rugby two months before the entrance test.

He was a member of Melton RFC for four years playing scrum half and winger.

He decided to join the Royal Navy and was based at Gosport, Hampshire, as a helicopter engineering technician.

Mr Hayes said: "He was on leave over Christmas and was looking forward to getting back to starting practical work on helicopters.

"He was very fit and loved his cars, computer games and music. His death has left such a void."

Within days of the accident, hundreds of people had left messages and joined a group in his memory on social networking website Facebook.

One friend wrote: "I'm proud to have known you. I can't think of someone who deserved this less or who will be missed more. You've been taken but you'll never be forgotten. Sleep tight sweetheart."

Robert leaves his mother and father and their partners and sister Mikhaela (21) and brother Reece (15).

The funeral will be at St Mary's Church, Melton at 1pm on Thursday, January 15 then 2pm at Thorpe Road Cemetry. All welcome.

*Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident involving the blue Ford Focus. Anyone with information should contact Pc 1464 Gary Mundy on (0116) 222 2222.

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