Friends and family of 16-year-old David Thompson have been keeping a vigil at the scene of his death.

The fun-loving teenager, who friends said always had a smile on his face, died in a motorbike accident in Faringdon at the weekend.

Dozens of floral tributes, messages and photos have been left at the roadside in Southampton Street.

About 50 of David's friends gathered at the impromptu memorial on Saturday, June 11, night, following the accident that morning, and one friend -- Nick Overton -- has been camping overnight to watch over the flowers, pictures and tributes.

Friends are also helping to organise a memorial football tournament and barbecue at Faringdon Town's football ground on Saturday, June 18, to help raise funds for a headstone for David.

The accident happened after the teenager lost control of a motorbike he was riding and crashed into a parked car.

He was not wearing a crash helmet and suffered fatal injuries.

Last night, June 13, his family and friends described David -- known as Dave the Rave -- as a happy-go-lucky teenager, who was very popular in the town.

He had lived in Faringdon since he was a toddler and most recently with his father, also David, in the town centre.

His mother Susan Locke, who now lives in Bradford, Yorkshire, where David often used to stay, said: "He was a very special boy.

"He was fun-loving, very respectful. He just had a love of life."

Mr Thompson added that the reaction to his son's death had shown with what high regard he was held in.

He said: "It's been wonderful. The support and love shown for him has been unbelievable, and I really do appreciate it."

David, whose 20-year-old sister Laura also lives in the town, had just finished his studies at Faringdon Community College and was waiting to hear if he had secured an apprenticeship as a joiner.

He was a keen football player and had recently decided to start playing for Faringdon Town Football Club again. He also loved angling.

Mr Overton, 19, who had known David since they were children, said he had been the best friend anyone could wish for.

He said: "He never got rid of his smile. He tried to put a serious face on, but he couldn't. He was too much of a happy chappy.

"He was always there for you, smiling and telling you to keep your chin up.

"He had more friends than I have ever seen anyone have. Everybody loved him.

"It's been really lovely to see the amount of people who have come down here and shown respect for him."

A date for David's funeral has yet to be arranged.

Police are investigating the accident, which happened at 11.25am on Saturday. Anyone who saw what happened should call Pc Mark Pilling, of the Abingdon roads policing unit, on 08458 505505, or information can be left in confidence with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.