Hundreds of people are expected to attend the funeral of a teenager killed in a road accident on New Year's Eve.

Robert Hayes, 18, who died when his car hit a tree in Station Lane, between Kirby Bellars and Asfordby, will be given a Royal Navy guard of honour at his funeral on Thursday.

Robert, of Freeby Close, Melton, joined the Navy last year as an aircraft engineering technician, working on helicopters.

Robert's family said anyone who wished to could make a donation to Help for Heroes, which supports servicemen and women recovering from injuries sustained in conflicts.

His father, David, said: "Me and his mum came up with the idea of the charity at about the same time. Given what he did, it seemed appropriate."

A keen rugby player with Melton RFC, Robert had been due to attend a New Year's Eve party at Thorpe Arnold Cricket Club on the night of the accident.

Robert's funeral will take place at St Mary's Church, in Melton, at 1pm on Thursday.