HUNDREDS are expected to say an emotional farewell to Max Lewis, 19, at his funeral next Thursday.

Max, from Melksham, was the passenger in a red Citroen Saxo he was travelling in collided with a white Renault Master van in Forest Lane on Saturday, November 15.

Since then his friends have laid flowers and mementos in a shrine to him and held a candlelit vigil.

An 18-year-old man and a 25-year-old man - both from Melksham - were arrested last week on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They have been bailed until January.

The funeral service will be at St Michael’s Church, Melksham, at noon, followed by the burial ceremony at Holy Cross Church, Seend.

His family said: “We welcome family and close friends to join us for the burial ceremony, although please be aware that space may be a little limited and some may like to pay their respects at the graveside in the days to follow.

“Max was a beautiful young man who loved his clothes, so please feel free to join in with a sense of style (if you can!)

"If you would like to bring a single flower to add to family flowers that would be lovely.”

The family are asking for donations in his name to be made to Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Claverton Down via www.justgiving.com/MaxGeorgeLewis/ or Save the Children at www.justgiving.com/MaxGeorgeLewisSaveTheChildren/

They have also thanked his friends for the scores of roadside tributes, saying: “The vigil, flowers and tributes for Max at the crash site over the last few days has been amazing. We are so touched, it has been overwhelming.”