Parents, Yvonne and George Brough, said Stephen, a 39-year-old father of three, had served in the forces for 22 years and was planning to emigrate to Canada with his family when he retired.

The tribute says: "At this point, the family have no idea what their future life holds for them without the father who held them all together.

"This tragic, devastating and senseless loss of life has torn a very secure and loving family apart, leaving their dreams and hopes in shatters.

"On the night of his death, they were celebrating the fact that his eldest daughter was due to start a three year university course in Cumbria, and Stephen was very proud. Chelsey has now had to cancel this course indefinitely to allow her time to cope with her own grief and to offer support to the rest of the family."

Stephen was walking along the side of Heanor Road, close to the junction with Charlotte Street at around 12.25am on Sunday September 7 when he was knocked over by a car, police said.

Stephen was pronounced dead on arrival at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Stephen served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 22 years and had secured a job in Calgary, Canada, for when he retired in two years time.

His children are Chelsey,18, Ryan, 16, and Addyson, 8.

His parents said in the statement that he showed a desire to serve for his country from an early age and joined the local army cadets as a child.

During his 22 years of service, Stephen served his country in various places including Northern Ireland, Germany, Falkland Islands, The Gulf, Bosnia, Kenya, Norway and Canada.

He met his wife Caroline in 1993 in a local bar while on leave from the Army and they went on to marry in 1998 in their local church. Following their marriage the whole family moved around the UK with Stephen, depending on his postings.

The tribute reads: "In 2004, the couple decided to move back to Eastwood to allow their children to complete their education in one school and Stephen travelled home every weekend to be with his loving family.

"During this time, Stephen would grasp opportunities to follow his love of Grand Prix Formula One, Nottingham Forest football team and more recently to spend time conducting extensive renovations to their new family home in Ilkeston."

Stephen has two sisters, Dianne and Helen.

The family want to thank friends, the British Army, police officers and extended family for all the love and support they have offered.

A 62-year-old Ilkeston woman and a 56 year-old Ilkeston man have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They are both on police bail pending further inquiries.