A HAMPSHIRE family was 'overwhelmed' after hundreds of people turned out for an emotional tribute to a teenager killed in a crash in Southampton.

The sound of engines and horns could be heard from the masses that gathered outside of McDonald's in Hedge End who came to pay their respects to Nick Brisland.

The 19-year-old tragically died when his motorcycle was in a collision with a car and taxi in Southampton, leaving his family and friends heartbroken.

He had been on his way to a bike meet at Weston Shore when the smash happened in Spring Road on April 24 and was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the desperate attempts of neighbours and paramedics, who tried to save him.

Nick's death shocked both the scouting and biking community, with members of each describing him as a gentle giant with a bubbly nature.

Now at least 400 motorcyclists and car drivers have rolled out on an emotional journey to Portsdown Hill near Portsmouth trailing orange balloons and ribbons behind them as it was Nick's favourite colour.

Nick's mum Maria Brisland said: "I'm just so overwhelmed I don't know what to say, this is tribute to my son, if you knew him you would understand why so many people felt the need to be here today he was amazing, truly and I can't thank everyone enough for doing this for him."

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Nick's best friend of 12 years Ash Swanborough added: "he would have absolutely loved this, Nick was amazing and this is really emotional to be here and see just how many people knew he was special."

Robyn Lockwood, 16, took part in the Roverang festival with Nick for three years, she said: “He was a best mate within minutes of knowing him, Nick was truly a great guy always looked out for us and it looks like everyone feels the same about him - proud to have known him.”

Emily Lambert had known Nick since she was a child and brought friends from across the UK to take part in the ride out, she said: “He was like a big brother, Nick was always so mature, we always had a great time he used to call me Coco which made me laugh.

"I can't believe this has happened it still doesn't quite feel like he has really gone but this shows that he was loved by so many people and cherishes the memories they have had with him and he can go out with a bang - or the rev of a bike is probably more accurate.”

Nick’s grandmother Margaret added: “He inspired me. Nick was incredible and we were so lucky to have had him for the time we did because he was just a brilliant grandson, I loved him so much.”

Nick’s brother Jake said: “I loved him he was my big brother always there for me no matter what and always did anything he possibly could to make someone smile no matter what. I think he would have loved this.”

Stewart Harder, Nick’s dad, added: “The amount of support from everyone has really got me through this, Nick was great he was so funny, he had a quick wit like his dad and he always had a kind word to say about everyone.”

Daily Echo:

The ride started after Nick's family, including his siblings Maddie, 11, and 15-year-old brother Jake, his dad Stewart and grandmother Margaret released a balloon.

Then Ash, alongside his girlfriend Laura Harwood who has raised more than £5,000 for Nick's funeral and Adam, who was with Nick the day he died rode out on their bikes to start the ride out.

And Nick's sisters Amy, 21, and Chloe, 15, were in the first car to set off behind the bikes.

The idea for the ride out came from Zak Morris, 18, a trainee scaffolder from Woolston, who is also a keen biker and was at the meet in Weston Shore which Nick was on his way to before the crash.

Zak had only met Nick on a few occasions, but says as soon as the news of his death filtered through, he and other bikers wanted to do something to remember him.

Zak, said: “As bikers we all look out for each other, it is like a massive big family and for that to happen to Nick, it shocked a lot of us.

“As soon as we heard that someone had died, we thought we had to find out who he was and wanted to do something to remember him.”