Hundreds of lanterns and balloons were released in memory of a young man killed in a horror crash in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Father-of-four Michael Shepherd, 27, died when a car careered into a historic monument in London Road, Teynham, at 1.20am.

A huge group of friends and family gathered at Faversham recreation ground on Saturday afternoon, where multi-coloured helium balloons and Chinese lanterns were launched into the sky.

Mr Shepherd's sister Bryony Ronayne said afterwards: "We cannot thank people enough for coming.

"We were overwhelmed to see the amount of people there.

"We are so grateful to everyone for their support and seeing everyone there on Saturday really meant a lot to us.

"It was amazing."

Mr Shepherd's brother Jake Shepherd also thanked everyone for attending.

Popular Michael, a backseat passenger in the Renault Clio, along with Karl Buchan, 23, were both pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene of the crash.

A man driving and a woman in the front passenger seat were airlifted to hospital in London with serious injuries after firefighters freed them using hydraulic cutting equipment.

The driver remains in a serious, but stable condition and the woman, named locally as Rosie Crittenden, has since been discharged from hospital.

Heather’s card shop in Preston Street was offering a special discount to inflate the balloons for anyone attending the touching event.

Funeral dates have yet to be confirmed, but for Mr Shepherd it is family flowers only and if donations are desired, they will go towards a memorial plaque in Michael’s memory.

All inquiries must be forwarded to Hogben and Partis LTD in Stone Street.

Manager of One Stop convenience store and Mr Cod in Lower Road, Raj Sandee, is collecting money for Mr Shepherd’s children.

He said in a Facebook post: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Michael Shepherd and Karl Buchan.”

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information should call the police’s serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538.