A funeral service to rememember "a true gentleman with a Hollywood smile and wide circle of friends" who died in the Eastern Bypass tragedy will be held this week.

Howard Hillsdon The family of 21-year-old Howard Hillsdon say they have been inundated by friends and colleagues wanting to attend the service because 'he touched the lives of so many'.

Mr Hillsdon's mother Julie said: "Howard will always be remembered by all for his Hollywood smile and his wide circle of friends."

The funeral is due to take place at St Bartholomew's Church in Yarnton, Mr Hillsdon's home village, on June 16 at 11am. It will be followed by a private burial.

Family members will pay tribute to Mr Hillsdon, described as 'a true gentleman', along with the friend who survived the horrific crash on May 28.

Mr Hillsdon died after a Citroen car with eight people in it crossed the central reservation of the dual carriageway and collided with his Honda Civic.

Three 13-year-old schoolchildren, Marshall Haynes, Liam Hastings and Josh Bartlett, were also killed in the tragedy.

Four other teenage boys in the Citroen, along with the 45-year-old driver Angela Dublin, were seriously injured.

Mrs Hillsdon said: "His friend who was a passenger in the car at the accident wishes to present a tribute at the funeral, as do other family members."

"His godfather will be playing the church organ for the service and his godmother will be arranging the church flowers and presenting a reading. His aunt is preparing a floral tribute."

Mrs Hillsdon said the family had been inundated by people wanting to attend the service, and free transport would be provided to the church from the Pear Tree park-and-ride, at 10.20am.

She said her son was well regarded at Oxford Brookes University, where he had recently completed a degree in automotive engineering and was remembered for his sense of humour and ambition at his former school in Woodstock.

Mr Hillsdon had just started his sixth year as a lifeguard and duty manager at Woodstock outdoor pool.

He also worked part-time at Holiday Inn as a lifestyle consultant.

"It is an accolade to him that they wish to generously host the refreshments after the funeral, where all friends and family are welcome," said Mrs Hillsdon.

The family have also received messages of condolence from villagers in Yarnton where as a teenager Mr Hillsdon single handedly delivered the Sunday newspapers.