FRIENDS and family of Max Pearson paid an emotional tribute to him on Friday, hundreds gathering in Marlborough to let off balloons and lanterns in his memory.

Max, 21, of Maurice Way, Marlborough, died when the car he was driving collided with a tree in Grand Avenue, Savernake Forest, in the early hours of November 22.

The four passengers, Sam Parrington, 19, Emily Rodriguez-Martin, 17, and Louie Lamb, 18, were taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with serious injuries. A 15-year-old from Pewsey was taken to Great Western Hospital in Swindon with minor injuries.

The sky was lit up with tributes to Max on Friday evening near the common at Marlborough Rugby Club, with many of the balloons and lanterns decorated with handwritten messages to Max.

The gathering was organised by Arran Tricker and his brother Justin, who posted on Facebook: “Big up to everyone for last night we actually smashed it.”

Max’s mum Stella Clarkson and partner Guy were also at the gathering watching over as friends and school friends, who Max had gone to St John’s with, paid their respects.

Mrs Clarkson posted on Facebook to Mr Tricker: "So glad you smashed it!! Was a really special evening. Thank you again for sorting it out xxx"

On the night Max died friends have said he had been driving back to Marlborough on one of several trips he had already made, picking up friends from a party who needed a lift home.

An online fundraising page has also been set up to raise money to give to Max’s family towards funeral costs and a memorial plaque: gofundme.com/i120bg