The family of a young man killed in a car crash have thanked everyone who has helped raise money in his name.

Jake Franklin-Beck was planning to surprise friends and family by coming back from Australia.

But he was killed in a car accident last week, days before his 21st birthday. 

His brother Dexter today thanked all those who have helped donate more than £11,000.

The 26-year-old said: "We are overwhelmed with the support shown for Jake and our family, and will be forever grateful to everyone who has either sent us messages or donated to help bring Jake home from Australia.”

Watford Observer:

Jake lived in Watford and attended Kings Langley Secondary School. He worked as a roofer in Watford, before leaving to live in Australia for a year.

To mark what would have been his 21st, Jake’s friends gathered to release balloons on Saturday night.

A campaign to raise money to help bring Jake’s body home has raised more than £11,000 in a number of days.

Watford Observer:

Writing on the gofundme page, Breeze Mitchell said: "A football fanatic Chelsea fan, a roofer who climbed like a monkey, a boy that gave everything he could every day he lived, to his family, his friends, and to his general dedication to life itself.

"Jake Franklin-Beck will be sorely missed, but loved forever and never forgotten about.

"Donations for this cause will be greatly respected and appreciated, and I know the man himself will be over the moon, with anyone who helped his family at this difficult time."

Watford Observer:

Hundreds of well-wishers have contributed to the online campaign ‘bring Jake back home’.

The gofundme page received £11,168 within days of being set up, with 265 people contributing.

To donate, click here.