A shelter in Pewsham Park has been turned into a place of vigil for the young lives lost on New Year’s Eve, with friends leaving banners and floral tributes.

Close friends met in the park on the Friday of the accident, and groups of teenagers are often seen adding their own tributes, including a huge sign simply saying RIP George, or spending time there with others.

Schools are offering their students help in coming to terms with the tragedy as they return this week after the Christmas holidays.

The head of Chippenham’s Sheldon School, Gerard MacMahon, said there were plans in place to support students affected by the deaths of the young men, particularly George Forester, who left the school last year.

He said: “We are prepared that some may be very upset, and need someone to talk to, and we are going to meet that need. We have people in school for them to speak to, and we have contacts for specialists if necessary.

“It is entirely possible that all the boys will be known to people throughout the school through football or socialising, so we will make sure they have someone to speak to if they need to.”

Abbeyfield School, where Frankie Bowyer and Jamie Walker attended until leaving at the end of Year 11 last summer, also has support plans in place.

Head of sixth form Mark Fuller said: “The whole school community has been devastated by this tragic accident, and like any community we are supporting each other through this difficult time.”

A spokesman for Chippenham College, where Frankie was studying, said: “Frankie brought colour into everyone’s lives, he always had a smile and was always there for you – a true friend who will be greatly missed.”

Yesterday Frankie’s classmates from the public services course were working with the college counsellor and tutor Mark Williams.

They had taken a walk into the countryside to remember their friend.