The loved ones of an 18-year-old killed in a tragic railway accident last week have gathered this afternoon to hold a “lovely celebration” of his life.

Those close to popular Tom Watson joined together for a vigil at Dane John gardens in Canterbury to remember the “larger-than-life” character.

Candles, flowers and cards were left at the park’s bandstand in tribute to the teenager, who died at Canterbury East station after falling onto a live rail following a night out in the city.

His parents, Candy and Ted, yesterday told how his death last Friday has “ripped an unfillable hole” in their hearts.

They said their son was the “life and soul of the party” and would be missed by all those who knew him.

Tom’s friends set up a Facebook page in his memory, called Tom Forever18, and today they came together in Canterbury for the memorial event.

In a post on the page, they said: “What a lovely celebration. It was the most sweetest thing seeing all of Tom’s loved ones from all different areas of his life come together to honour his memory.

“It was beautiful seeing the amount of people, flowers and candles brought to honour Tom.

“T​​​​​this isn’t a goodbye, this is an until next time.

“Remember, Tom would want us all living to the fullest.

“Rest easy Tom you will loved forever and always.”

Archie White added: “Today was a very sad and emotional day. We laughed, we hugged, and we cried. But most importantly we all gathered around to show our respect to a beautiful soul Tom.”

Former Folkestone Academy pupil Tom was looking forward to starting an English degree at the University of Lincoln next week and had dreams of becoming a secondary school teacher.

His parents say he had enjoyed a “great night out with friends” before accidentally falling onto a live rail at Canterbury East railway station.

British Transport Police was called shortly before 9.30am last Friday morning following the discovery of his body on the tracks.

While not wishing to speak too much about the circumstances, Tom’s family say there is “clear evidence” he had no intent to take his own life.

“Tom had everything to live for and was looking forward to going to university, which he even was speaking about on that tragic night,” his mum said.

“As a family, we would not like to focus not on how Tom died, but how he lived.

“As hard as this is, and our lives will never be the same again, we want everyone who knew and loved our larger-than-life boy to remember him living in the fullness of life.

“He was caring, cheeky, funny, loud, noisy, always moving, dancing, singing, talking and was totally and utterly loved. This is how Tom would want to be remembered.

“We have been completely surrounded by love and thank everyone for supporting us through this time.”

A GoFundMe appeal has also been launched to raise money for Demelza children’s hospice in his name, with almost £1,000 already donated.

Tom is survived by mum Candy, dad Ted, his three siblings, and his extended family and friends.

BTP says it is not treating his death as suspicious and will be preparing a file for the coroner.