TRIBUTES have continued to pour in for a popular Wotton-under-Edge teenager who died in a car accident just outside the town over the Christmas period.

Rory Evans, 18, was killed after his car collided with a van on an accident blackspot on Wotton Road just before 1.30pm on Friday, December 27.

The former Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School pupil from Tabernacle Road was driving a silver-grey Toyota Roadster MR2 when it was involved in a collision with a white Nissan van on a bend of the B4058.

A candlelight vigil was held at St Mary’s Church in Wotton-under-Edge on Thursday, January 2 for those that knew Mr Evans to pay their respects.

The vicar of St Mary’s, the Rev Rob Axford, said that between 200 to 250 people attended to light a candle in his memory or simply to talk with one another about his life.

“We were offering space for the community to pay their respects in their own particular ways,” he said.

“There was a wide range of people who attended, from those who babysat for him when he was a child, scout leaders, people he knew from school, along with friends and family.”

Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School's headteacher Andrew Harris said they had been shocked and saddened by the news of the fatal accident.

"He was a lively and popular member of the school with a great sense of humour and tremendous prospects for the future," he said.

"He would be in year 13 now if he had stayed at the school and he is very much missed by all of those in his year group, and others, who knew him. Our greatest sympathies go to Rory’s family and to his friends."

Mr Evans was studying accounts at Cirencester College, which has now opened a book of positive memories that is being left at reception for staff and students to contribute to.

This will be passed on to Rory’s family as will a DVD of his work, compiled by the media department.

Staff who taught Rory described him as a “lovely student” who brought humour to the classroom and often created lively debate.

A spokesman for the college said it had put measures in place to support those who knew Rory.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time of unimaginable loss," he said.

Dozens of flowers and cards have been left at the site of the fatal accident.

One card read: “Happy New year Rory. I have always thought of you as someone who loved life without any boundaries. Always having fun, always living and that is how I will remember you.

“I can’t believe you are no longer with us. You have left so many memories with so many people that you will always remain with us you touched so many lives.”