HUNDREDS of people are expected turn up today to the memorial service of a popular Hampshire sportsman who died.

Mourners are expected to gather in Romsey Abbey at 1.30pm  for the memorial of Macaulay Campbell, known as Mac.

Family members will be attending a private service beforehand at Southampton Crematorium at 12.15pm.

The 20-year old died last month after his black VW Lupo collided with another car on the A3057 near Romsey Golf Club on February 20.

Candlelit vigils have been held by mourners who have also laid flower bouquets, mementos, rugby balls and heartfelt messages for the former Mountbatten School pupil from Rownhams at he spot where he died.

His team mates will be turning up “suited and booted” at the family’s request wearing the Romsey Rugby Club tie.

Representatives from the county’s other rugby clubs are also expected to be there.

Vicar of Romsey, Canon Tim Sledge, will be ministering the service, with the chairman of the rugby club saying a few words on behalf of the club about the star player who turned out a man-of-the-match performance hours before he died.

Romsey Town Council has warned that the town will be busy due to the event.

On Twitter the authority said: "This afternoon #Romsey centre will be very busy, memorial service to Mac Campbell @romseyabbey our thoughts with family & friends."

A campaign has been launched to remember the 20-year-old with a music festival, called MacFest.

The idea has won the backing of Southampton singer Craig David.

A fundraising night will be held at Switch nightclub on Above Bar Street on April 2.

The night is aimed at raising money to stage the event with all proceeds going towards the cost of the festival.

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned until later this summer.

The hearing into the circumstances surrounding his death is scheduled for will be held on Monday, June 10 at Winchester Coroner’s Court, but this date has yet to be confirmed.