A man killed in a road traffic collision was a young soldier who proudly took part in the Trooping the Colour to mark the Queen's birthday last week, a friend said.
Ben Regan, 20, who served with the Coldstream Guards, died after an apparent hit-and-run in Reigate, Surrey, in the early hours yesterday.
Friends at Dorking rugby club, where Mr Regan played for the under-21s team, said he was an "exceptional young man" and they are devastated at his death.
Paul Mosley, a vice president at the club, said: "It is desperately sad. He was a very nice, lively, quirky, loveable man. I've known him since he was a little lad, he was always very loveable and he turned into an exceptional young man.
"He was in the Coldstream Guards and in the Trooping of the Colour last week. It was a proud occasion for his whole family.
"He was proud to serve and he would have been looking forward to serving his country abroad. He had really taken to life in the Army. He was very sporty and it opened up huge horizons for him.
"He was a clever boy with a good heart. He is going to be so missed."
Mr Mosley, who had known Mr Regan since he was around eight years old, said he was loved by all the players at the club, who are deeply upset at his death.
He said: "He was a good player but more than that he was really dedicated, he was someone who you wanted on your team. Ben's mother died a few years ago when he was young. He was very close to his dad, Jim, who is devastated."
Mr Regan was struck by a grey or light-coloured car in Bell Street at around 2am yesterday, Surrey Police said. He died at the scene at around 2.45am.
Surrey Police said a man in his 20s had been arrested in connection with the fatal collision and has been released on police bail until August.
Detective Sergeant Gary Wright said: "This was a tragic incident where a young man has sadly lost his life and our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends at this devastating time."
An Army spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a serving member of the Coldstream Guards involved in a road traffic incident.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends who have been notified and it would be inappropriate to comment further whilst there is a police investigation ongoing."