A teenager has died in a New Year's Eve road accident.

Friends and family today paid tribute to 18-year-old Robert Hayes, of Freeby Close, Melton, and described him as "the perfect child".

Robert died when his Ford Focus hit a tree in Station Lane, between Kirby Bellars and Asfordby, at about 6.52pm on Wednesday.

Friends expecting him at a New Year's party at Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club left a series of frantic text messages for him when he failed to turn up.

Pubs and clubs came to a standstill as news of the death filtered through to party-goers.

Speaking at the family home in Freeby Close, dad David, 45, said: "He was due to go to the New Year's celebrations at the 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 had gone that way to pick up someone, we don't know, but it was a fatal decision."

The keen rugby player, who was affectionately known by his nickname, Nobber, had joined the Royal Navy as an aircraft engineering technician last year.

Robert's ambition to join the Royal Marines was thwarted after he broke an ankle playing rugby two months before he was due to take entrance tests.

He later opted to join the Royal Navy as a helicopter technician, based in Gosport, Hampshire, hoping to work with the Royal Marines via that route.

Mr Hayes said: "He was the perfect child. He was never in trouble and would help anybody.

"He had a 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.

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

"He was over the moon in November when he became an uncle to his sister's baby, Ryann. He doted on his nephew.

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

Robert's godfather, Alan Cooke, from Melton, said: "If you think of the perfect child, that was him. He and my daughter were like brother and sister.

"The White Lion and Tubes nightclub came to a standstill when the news of his death went round.

"His friends are getting together in The Cutting Room in town tonight to remember him."

Robert played for Melton Rugby Club as a scrum-half and a winger for about four years.

A former pupil of Old Dalby and Sherard primary schools, he had also studied at King Edward VII School in Melton.

As well as his father and his father's partner, Melissa Allen, he leaves mother Denise Hayes, sister Mikhaela, 21, and brother Reece, 15.

Among messages left at the scene, along with floral tributes, was one from Emma, which read: "I can't and don't want to believe it. You should have been out with us last night."

Another, from Danielle, read: "Babe, I can't believe you're gone. I am going to miss you."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident to contact Pc Gary Mundy at Leicestershire police on 0116 222 2222.