Devastated family and friends of teenage friends Lily Godwin and Abbey Rogers have been paying an emotional tribute to the two youngsters.

They were gathering at St Michael and All Angels church in Lyndhurst where a prayers were said for the 19-year-olds who died yesterday when the car they were travelling in crashed into a wall.

Hugs were exchanged among mourners before Revd Dr James Bruce, vicar of the Lyndhurst church offered the congregation the chance to light candles in memory of the pair.

With the family of Lily attending the church service, Dr Bruce said a "cloud" hung over today's ceremony.

A moment of silence was held to remember the girls before the service began.

Daily Echo:

He said: "We are gathered together today under the shadow of the death if Lily Godwin and Abbey Rogers.

"We're going to remember Abbey and Lily and the two who were injured.

"We're gathered today under this cloud of the terrible tragedy of the death of Abbey and Lily. We remember the two who were injured, we remember the family and friends and all those who are affected by this."

Members of the congregation silently and tearfully then stepped forward to light candles in tribute to the much loved teenagers.

It came after Dr Bruce gave his sermon at the church.

He said: "We're gathered this morning under this awful, terrible shadow, something that's befallen this community, something that we couldn't have imagined two days ago.

"Something that you think couldn't happen to us.

"Let's remember that as we gather there are many people who are outside who just reeling from the shock of what's happened."

Daily Echo: