TEARS flowed for tragic teenager Owen MacDonald as schoolchildren gathered together to honour their classmate.

In a colourful celebration of Owen’s life, thousands of balloons were released into the sky.

People of all ages joined forces for Saturday’s emotional tribute, which took place near Erskine Parish Church.

It was a fitting way to remember 16-year-old Erskine boy Owen, who had brought so much colour to the lives of those he met.

Owen’s body was found in a field near Park Mains High in the early hours of April 30.

Police confirmed afterwards there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Owen’s classmates at Park Mains High have since raised thousands of pounds in his memory.

Fifth year pupils at the school set up a JustGiving page for Owen’s family, and in just over a week, it has raised more than £11,000.

Students, staff, friends and family all took part in the balloon release in his honour.

Owen’s aunt, Angela Borland, said: “We are overwhelmed by this and so proud of Owen’s school friends and want to thank each and every single person for their kindness. Truly inspirational.”

People involved in the balloon release donated £1 towards the cost, with any surplus set to be added to the fundraising total.

Other parents from the area have also paid their respects to Owen via the crowdfunding page.

Samantha Brodie wrote: “Your support for him has been amazing and I hope it brings comfort to all his family.

“As a mum of a 12 and 18-year-old, I’m well aware of how children can get given a bad name but every child in the high school has shown how fantastic and supportive our children can be.”

Jim Harte, who represents Erskine on Renfrewshire Council, also posted a tribute on social media. He said: “The sad, untimely death of Owen MacDonald has brought the community together.

“As tributes pour in, my thoughts are with Owen’s family and friends at this time. No words will ever be enough.”

Additional support has been offered to Owen’s classmates at Park Mains High as they struggle to come to terms with his death.

The teenager’s funeral will take place at 3pm tomorrow at Woodside Crematorium, in Paisley.

His family have invited any drivers in the area who own supercars or American cars, which Owen had a passion for, to meet in Barrhill Road, Erskine, from 1pm.

Cars will then leave just before 2.30pm to follow the funeral procession to the crematorium.

Anyone intending to meet there with their car is asked to confirm attendance on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/1317943894979598/.