MORE THAN 300 people gathered on The Oakalls in Bromsgrove to remember 18-year-old Thomas Jones.
Several people gave speeches at the event and a tribute previously written by Tom’s 18-year-old friend Harley Hetherington, who set up the Find Jonah Facebook page, was read out.
Candles were lit, flowers were laid and there was a minute’s silence, followed by a round of applause at the event organised by Michelle Mansell.
There were also football shirts and scarfs pinned on The Oakalls noticeboard from West Bromwich Albion, the club Tom supported and Bromsgrove Sporting, who he played for in the youth ranks.
A tribute was held simultaneously at the Sabrina Bridge in Worcester which was organised by Harley.
It was attended by more than 1,000 people who turned up to pay their respects and lit up the whole city with candles and lights.
Tom was a big Oasis fan and songs from the band were sang in his memory and flowers were left, along with messages.
Sainsbury’s Blackpole has donated £150 worth of flowers and 300 tealights have been sent from Sainsbury’s Maypole.
The Worcester and Bromsgrove Street Pastors supported the event.
Harley posted on the Find Jonah page: “Thank you all for your attendance tonight.
“It was a truly special evening that Jonah would’ve loved.
“I can’t thank you all enough for the support and happiness you all gave.
“I didn’t expect so many amazing people to come down but it was truly magical to be involved in.
“We lit up a city tonight, and Tom was smiling down on it. x”
Yesterday, tributes were held at Bromsgrove Sporting and West Bromwich Albion.
Bromsgrove Sporting FC has also paid its respects to Tom who played for a number of the club’s junior teams from under 13s to under 18s and had a reputation for being both loyal and respectful.
A statement sent to The Standard said: “He was one of our own and well-known to a number of people involved with Bromsgrove Sporting.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with those who were close to him and we share the sorrow of his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Players, officials and supporters of the club paid their respects to Tom before the start of the match against Corby Town this afternoon.
Minute silences and applauses were witnessed across football pitches today throughout the West Midlands.
A body was recovered in the River Severn in Worcester on Friday by officers investigating Tom’s disappearance.
