Friends and family of Max Pearson, 21, shared memories of him at a special gathering in St Mary’s Church, Marlborough, yesterday 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 and family were invited to the church between 6pm and 8pm to light a candle in memory of the popular former St John’s student.

Around 40 friends and well wishers gathered and chatted at the front of the church before lighting a series of candles which were placed on the altar. Among those paying tribute to Max were his mum and step dad Stella and Guy Clarkson and his dad Richard Pearson.

There was also a special Christmas tree which was, throughout the evening, decorated with star-shaped pieces of gold card with handwritten messages for Max.

The Rev Canon Andrew Studdert-Kennedy said: “It was a good occasion and very close and peaceful.

“It allowed quite a good number of Max’s friends to write about him and their memories of him on a star-shaped bit of card and hang it on the tree and also light a candle in his memory.

“It was a valuable occasion.”

There will be a memorial service for Max at 3pm today at St Mary’s Church after a private cremation. The family have asked that people wear bright clothes to the service.

Four passengers were injured in the same incident. Sam Parrington, 19, Emily Rodriguez-Martin, 17 and a 15-year-old boy from Pewsey and were taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with serious injuries.

Louie Lamb, 18, was taken to Great Western Hospital in Swindon with minor injuries.

All of the passengers have now been discharged from hospital.