TRIBUTES have been paid to two promising teenage members of Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletic Club (AFD) tragically killed by a suspected drink driver this week.

Lucy Pygott, 17, from Hartley Wintney, and Stacey Burrows, 16, from Farnborough, were hit by a car while out jogging opposite the athletics club in Aldershot and died at the scene.

Lucy had led the club’s under-17s women to success in their age category at the English Cross Country Championships last weekend in Mansfield and was a highly commended Young Personality of the Year at the Farnham Sports Awards 2016 held in October.

In a club statement, AFD said: “These athletes, who were highly valued members of our club played a huge role in the recent success of AFD including last weekend’s National Cross Country Relays where the club took five out of the 10 titles awarded.

“The club is absolutely devastated to lose such amazing, talented young female athletes. Our thoughts and prayers are with the two families who are being supported by the police family liaison team.

“As a club we are humbled by the many messages of support that have been received from across the world which further demonstrates the wealth of feeling and respect for these two young ladies within the athletic community.”

Lucy Pygott’s family said in a short statement: “Lucy was an absolute joy to us and we feel lucky that she has been part of our family for 17 years.”

Both families have asked for privacy at this difficult time.

The teenagers who both attended Farnborough Sixth Form College were jogging in Queens Avenue near the army barracks when they were hit by a black Ford Focus at around 7.10pm.

A 24-year-old man who the MoD confirmed was a serving soldier was arrested suspicion of drink-driving, two counts of death by dangerous driving and two counts of death by careless driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

He has now been released on conditional bail, where will answer bail on February 14, 2017.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “No-one else was hurt and inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of what happened.”

Lucy’s former school Farnborough Hill, where she obtained eight A* and 2 As at GCSE this summer, also paid tribute with a memorial in the school chapel on Wednesday afternoon.

Peter Forrest-Biggs, pastoral head of year 11, paying tribute to her, commented: “Lucy brought her wonderful smile and friendship to everyone she encountered. She excelled in all that she put her mind to; a truly talented athlete yet extremely modest with it. 

“Lucy was a naturally gentle and kind young lady, who will be deeply missed by the whole school community.”

John Winter, headteacher of Weydon School in Farnham, also confirmed that students and fellow members of the athletics club have been offered emotional support this week following the tragedy.

AFD club member and GB long-distance runner Charlotte Purdue paid tribute on social media to the girls.

In April, while Charolotte was racing in her first London Marathon, Lucy was finishing second in the London Mini Marathon, a race Charolotte too had success in as a young runner.

She wrote on Twitter: “Really can’t believe the news from Aldershot last night. My thoughts are with the families of the girls and all who are affected.”

Specially trained police officers are supporting the girls’ families as investigations continue.

Anyone with information that may be relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Inspector Graham Hughes at Whitchurch Police Station on 101, quoting Operation Altaris.