ST MARY’S Church was full this afternoon as family and friends of Max Pearson gathered for a service of thanksgiving to celebrate his life.

There was only standing room available as the ceremony started as people piled in to pay their respects to the popular former St John’s student.

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.

The Rev Canon Andrew Studdert-Kennedy opened the ceremony with a prayer, standing next to the Christmas tree of red and gold stars containing memories of Max which had been hung at a special gathering yesterday evening.

After a reading of Stop all the Clocks by WH Auden, moving and heartfelt tributes to Max were given by his father, Richard Pearson, step father, Guy Clarkson, and three of his close friends.

The song Together by Dark Matters was played, at the request of Max’s mother, Stella Clarkson, as those who had gathered to say goodbye remembered the much loved 21-year-old.

Following an address by Reverend Miri Keen, John Chapter 14, Jesus comforts his disciples, a final hymn Abide with Me was sung before a series of prayers closed the ceremony.

Donations can be made, in memory of Max, to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the RSPCA.