A POIGNANT ceremony has been held by the friends of Jack Dowding as Southampton’s community continues to remember the 20-year-old Saints fan who died at his Hedge End home on Saturday.

Anniemay Caroline, a friend of Jack’s, rallied together a group of his friends and classmates to let off red and white balloons outside Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, where he had studied public services.

The 20-year-old said: “The balloons were red and white because Jack was a Saints fan and was going to the League Cup game tomorrow. This was also an opportunity for us all to meet us and talk about our memories with Jack.”

Alice Wrighton, principal of Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, described Jack as an “amazing young man” and a “much-loved member of the community”.

She added: “It’s been a very sad day for us all. Jack worked very hard here to achieve the qualifications he needed to progress and was looking forward to progressing from his Level 3 Public Services course on to university in 2017.

“We will miss his positive attitude, his smile and his laughter, and indeed everything he brought to this community.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Anniemay added: “I have had so many people messaging me about him. I have friends in Portsmouth and Isle of Wight who have got in touch, saying how they knew him and how much of a lovely guy he was.”

Tributes have continued to pour in from Southampton’s community following news of Jack’s sudden death.

A campaign to hold a minute’s applause for Jack at tonight’s Southampton’s cup clash with Liverpool was organised by his friends as soon the news he had died was shared on social media.

The #20mclapforjack campaign has been picked up on social media, even prompting a message of support from Southampton FC on Twitter.

The club encouraged its fans to join in the round of applause in the twentieth minute of tomorrow’s match.

Tributes have also flooded in from fans of YNFA, a large Facebook footballing community page which has been ‘Liked’ by more than one million people.

So far, more than 2,000 reactions have been posted from football fans across the globe, alongside 170 messages of condolence.

Jack’s father Laurence, who will be attending tomorrow night’s match in Jack’s place, said he was “totally overwhelmed” by the support.

Mr Dowding also thanked Southampton FC, who donated three football shirts emblazoned with Jack’s name and the number 20.

“I fully expected to buy them,” he said. “But I got a call saying the club would like to give me the shirts.”

Reflecting on the support offered for his son, Mr Dowding said: “It just reaffirms what a special person Jack was and how many lives he touched.

“The family has taken great strength from the messages of love and support that have come from so many different areas.

“I would like to thank everyone who has offered support.”