Kingsman Anthony Philip Squires, 20, was killed when his red Nissan Micra left the B6255 near Chapel-le-Dale and collided with a tree last Tuesday.

The engaged father-of-one served with the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster Regiment for two years.

His funeral service was due to take place yesterday, Thursday, at St John's Church, Sandylands.

Army spokesman Kevin Hegarty said Anthony's untimely death came as a huge blow and a huge loss to all of his 600 comrades serving at his Army base at Catterick.

He added: "There's a big sense of community in the Army and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

"His death will affect everyone in the battalion and we'll make sure we fit as many of his friends into the church as we can.

"We wanted to offer the family every assistance and appointed a military officer to help them organise the service at this dificult time."

Anthony's family home is at Laureston Avenue. He leaves parents Keith and Lesley and two sisters Emma and Kyleigh. Anthony was engaged to Samantha and was dad to Tian.

Online tributes can be placed at www.anthonysquires.gonetoosoon.org.

Flowers and donations should be sent to the charities BRAKE or Help for Heroes, c/o Morecambe and Heysham Funeral Service.