THE mother of a young man killed in an early-morning car crash has paid tribute to her son and thanked the local community that has rallied round to help her and her family in the wake of his death.

20-year-old former St Clere's School student Finnlay Lowe, who celebrated his 20th birthday just last week, died at the scene of the crash in East Tilbury on Wednesday, 3 August. Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident, which happened on Princess Margaret Road at around 1.35am when a black Peugeot 107 left the road on the outskirts of the village.

The death has been reported to the coroner's office and an inquest is expected to be opened this coming week.

Helen and Finnlay Lowe.

Finnlay's mum Helen Lowe has opened her heart to the East Tilbury community to pay tribute to her son and thank people for the support for her and her family and for the many messages of commiseration posted on social media and in tributes left at the crash site.

She says: "We would like to say thank you to our community for the support you have given our family following the death of our son Finnlay.

"We have been told that there are some beautiful words for him on here and we want you to know that we will read through them in time. Thank you also for the contributions. Please know that it has helped lift a burden that we would never have anticipated and it has allowed us to grieve without that added worry.

"Thank you for the beautiful tributes that have been laid, we have and will collect the written words, know that they mean a great deal to us. We currently do not have information for funeral arrangements but will share here when we know more for those that are interested.

"Finnlay always lived life brightly."

As well as the floral and written tributes, the local community has rallied to help Helen, who runs the popular Craftily Creative Crystal Cabin crystal and sound therapy service from the village, and her family in a practical way.

Some of the tributes close to the crash site.

A fundraising page was set up by family friend Helen Rawles to help the family with the cost of a funeral and other expenses has already smashed its initial target of £1,000 and stands at more than £6,000.

Ms Rawles said: "We are all devastated by the passing of the lovely young man Finnlay Lowe.

"I've been given permission by Finnlay's family to set up this page. I would like to take a little of the pressure away from them and help towards costs of Finnlay's funeral.

 "Finnlay will be extremely missed by all his family and friends. Rest in perfect peace Finnlay."

The page, which also contains many tributes to Finnlay, who worked for Steve Smedley Carpets in Corringham, can be found via this link.