Town to turn blue for fallen Royal Navy sailor

Those attending Sunday's event have been asked to wear blue to celebrate Josh Gayton's life

A Worcestershire town is preparing to turn itself blue in tribute to a young Royal Navy sailor who died last month.

Evesham's Josh Gayton, 21, was found dead on 21 April after failing to report for duty at the Faslane naval base.

Now the residents of his hometown of Evesham are set to hold a remembrance evening to commemorate his life.

The event will take place on Sunday at 19:30 BST in Market Square, which is to be turned blue with special decorations, candles and ribbons.

There will be a two-minute silence and those attending have also been asked to wear blue.

As well as the memorial event, locals have launched a fundraiser for Mr Gayton's family which at the time of writing stands at £14,000.

'Absolutely overwhelming'

Event organiser Lucy Hopkins, said: "I thought it would be nice to bring Evesham together to honour a fallen sailor.

"It has just been incredible, it has been absolutely overwhelming."

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, she said she had never expected to receive the response she did.

Businesses around the town have been decorating their shop fronts with posters of Mr Gayton and crews from Evesham Fire Station have also been asked to get involved.

"I know the Evesham community, and they have a very caring way and we do pull together when we need to, for people who need help and support during their tough times," said Ms Hopkins.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service told the BBC an investigation into Mr Gayton's death was ongoing.