Paul Atkinson, 21, was driving on the A1 at 6.45am on Saturday when his blue Peugeot 306 left the road near Leeming, North Yorkshire, and hit a tree. He died at the scene.

On leave from Iraq, he had been on his way home to visit his family, including his three-week-old daughter.

His parents Pamela and David, of Meadowbank, said he touched the hearts of all who met him.

They said: "Paul's sudden death has left everyone saddened. We are all exceptionally proud of Paul and everything he achieved in his 21 years. His circle of friends was huge – he was loved by all."

Paul always wanted to be a soldier and loved his job as a rifleman with the Third Battalion The Rifles, in Edinburgh. His next posting would have been Afghanistan.

His parents said: "His role in the army taught him many things and he experienced life in a way that very few young people ever could. Paul served his Queen and country in Iraq, of which he was extremely proud.

"Tragically Paul leaves behind a close family, including a three-week-old daughter Alyeisha and her sister Courtney, a much loved fiancee Rachel (nee McCann) and a devoted sister Fiona."

Rugby fanatic Paul had played at Dewsbury Moor and Dewsbury Celtic, and his parents thanked his friends there for their love and support.

They were extremely grateful for the professionalism and help of North Yorkshire Police, Pc Paul Feather of Dewsbury Police and Capt Simon Clark, Paul's platoon commander.

Capt Clark said: "Paul was a dedicated, professional soldier with a bright future ahead of him. He was well-liked and respected among his colleagues and will be sadly missed."

There was a minute's silence before Dewsbury Celtic's match on Saturday.

Celtic club secretary Michelle Huntington said: "He came to us at 12 years old and played right though to under 18. Some of the lads still playing for us were in his team and they were devastated."

Paul's funeral is at Dewsbury Crematorium, Heckmondwike Road, on Monday at 1pm. An inquest has been opened and adjourned.