Zachary Speakman was hit by a wall of snow and ice

Captain Zachary Speakman, 28, of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died on the slopes of Mont Blanc on Tuesday.

Capt Speakman, of Prestwich, leaves a 29-year-old fiancee, Charlotte Maltby.

He is survived by his father John, mother Maria and brothers Nick, 31, and Ben, 30.

The soldier was hit by a wall of snow and ice 400 metres wide which crashed into a party of six soldiers, leaving two with minor injuries and three unharmed.

"Everyone loved Zachary - it was impossible not to love him," his family said in a statement.

'Sad event'

"He was the life and soul, such a bubbly character. He loved being in the Army, mainly because it appealed to his strong and determined sense of adventure, and he took every opportunity that came his way.

"We are all still in state of shock, but take comfort from knowing that so many people clearly thought so much of him, as we have already received lots of messages and visits from family and friends. We will all miss Zachary very much."

Defence Secretary John Reid said: "I would like to extend my sympathies, and those of the entire Ministry of Defence and the Army, to Zachary's family and friends at this very difficult time.

"I would also like to thank the French authorities for their support and practical assistance in dealing with this sad event."