Friends and family have paid tribute to a teenage soldier who was killed in a horror car crash while driving home with his girlfriend.

Jeff Stenning, who served in the Royal Logistic Corps, died after his white Ford Focus swerved off the road and hit a lamppost.

The accident happened as the couple were travelling eastbound along the A259 at Wick at 9.33pm on Monday night.

Emergency services including an air ambulance rushed to the crash site but the 18-year-old died at the scene.

His girlfriend Leah, 19, was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital with serious injuries and remained there today.

Jeff was a private in the British Army, and was pictured embracing a friend in his new uniform at the end of last year.

Friends and family contacted the Argus to pay tribute to Jeff, who was a former pupil at Littlehampton Academy.

Katrina Stenning, Jeff's sister, said he was a "much loved brother, uncle and son".

She said: "Jeff was kind and caring and wouldn't hurt anyone and could make you laugh so easily. Jeff will be very much missed by everyone who knew him and he left way to soon.

"I love you Jeffie with all my heart and a day is never going to pass when I will not think about you."

Charlie, Bailey and Baby Lacey wrote: "Dear Uncle Jeffy, we love you so so much your our brave uncle who has a heart of gold. Rest in peace. You'e the best. Lots of love and forever in our hearts."

And army colleague Nathan Harrison wrote: "Stenning you were the light in Basic training you made every moment seem funny and just amazing to be there.

"I speak on behalf of the lads in the Royal Signals that were in 8 Troop with us, we are all proud to serve alongside you.

"Those times we spent chatting to our girlfriends together in the same bed was so funny - it's something I’ll never forget.

"Will miss you big man, you’ll never be forgotten, never. Rest in peace mate."

A police spokesperson said: "This was a terrible tragedy in which a young man lost his life. We are appealing to anyone who saw what happened to call police on 101, quoting Operation Monitor, or email contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk."