Friends of Max Pearson will be celebrating the 21-year-old’s life at St Mary’s Church on Monday evening.

Max, 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.

His friends are invited to the church between 6pm and 8pm to light a candle in memory of the former St John’s student.

There will also be a special Christmas tree and people can write their memories of Max on stars to hang on it.

The tree will stay in the church for a thanksgiving service which is taking place the following day at 3pm.

On Friday evening hundreds of people gathered at Marlborough Rugby Club on The Common to pay an emotional tribute to Max.

The sky was lit up as friends and family let off balloons and lanterns in his memory decorated with handwritten messages.

The gathering was organised by Arran Tricker and his brother Justin.

Max’s mum Stella Clarkson and partner Guy were also there.

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.

Three 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 and was discharged last Wednesday.

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. Log on to gofundme.com/i120bg