PARENTS of Bromsgrove student Thomas Jones were "overwhelmed" when more than 1,000 people turned out to a vigil in his memory, after his body was found on Friday.
Hundreds of candles were lit outside the Oakalls in Bromsgrove, where he lived, and well-wishers gathered on either side of the Sabrina Bridge in Worcester, close to Thomas’ last-known whereabouts.
People lit candles, switched on the lights on their phones and joined in with songs such as Wonderwall by Oasis.
The 18-year-old vanished on a night out just two minutes' walk from his university accommodation on September 19, sparking a major search which ended in his body being found in the River Severn on Friday afternoon.
Thomas' parents spoke to the crowd during the vigil in Worcester.
Dad Ian Jones said: "We are absolutely overwhelmed. If he realised what was happening tonight he would have a fit.
"We would like to thank every single one of you. As parents as couldn't be any prouder of him and his achievements."
Mum Vicki added: "His 18 years have gone like a flash.
"We have got so many happy memories. It's overwhelming. Thank you for your love, support and comments.
"We will get through this and be strong for his memory."
The Worcester vigil was organised by Thomas' friend Harley Hetherington, 18, who has known Thomas since they were both nine years old.
Posting in the Facebook group "Find Jonah", which he set up after Thomas went missing, Harley said: "Tom - The whole country loves you mate and even further beyond.
"We all know that you're up there somewhere smiling and knowing that you are and always will be loved by every single one of us.
"You were and always will be in every single one of our hearts and we all love you forever. Thank you for being in all of our lives and making us all smile.
"It wasn't the outcome we wanted but we all did our best and Tom would be so proud."
Bromsgrove Sporting, where Thomas used to be a junior player, and his favourite team West Bromwich Albion both paid their respects before matches at the weekend.
A spokesman for Bromsgrove Sporting said: “Tom played for a number of our junior teams from under 13s to under 18s and had a reputation for being both loyal and respectful. He was one of our own and well-known to a number of people involved with Bromsgrove Sporting.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with those who were close to him and we share the sorrow of his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Thomas called friends at 3.45am on September 19 to say he was two minutes away from his university halls, but never arrived.
The teenager had been due to begin a Primary Education course at the University of Worcester and had only moved to the city from Bromsgrove days earlier.
A special evening service will be held at St Godwald’s Church in Finstall Road on Wednesday evening from 6pm to 7.30pm for well-wishers to light a candle for Thomas.
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