THOUSANDS of people bathed Shoreham in candlelight as part of a mass vigil. 

More than 3,000 people lit candles on the Adur Ferry Bridge in the town on Saturday night. 

A mile long queue wound through the town centre as people flocked from across Sussex to pay their respects to those who lost their lives a week before at the Shoreham Airshow.

A vintage Hawker Hunter jet crashed on the busy A27 last Saturday at 1.20pm.

As darkness fell the flickering candles illuminated the glass bridge as the community united in showing their love and support for those affected. 

More than 2000 candles donated by the community were handed out by a team of volunteers from Shoreham Rotary Club and placed in pint glasses donated by a company in Lancing. 

More than a thousand more people brought their own candles to line both sides of the 214 metre bridge.

Les and Wendy Baker, of Shoreham, were helping out on the bridge and collection donations for the fund set up to support victims’ families. 

Mrs Baker said: “I’ve never seen anything like it.

“I don’t think anyone had any idea it would be this big.” 

Shoreham born and bred Mick Moore, 81, said: ”I came out to show my solidarity for such a stunning town, it’s a community town. It’s nice to see so many people. It really shows that community.

“I have been here all week. I have spend a lot of time at the flowers on the Tollbridge. 

"This is something that has really stuck in people’s hearts.

“It’s not only Shoreham people here, it’s people from all over who have come to stand by us.” 

Rebecca Omitsu, 32, of Shoreham, said: “I just wanted to pay my respects. 

"Seeing so many people here tonight makes you realise what a wonderful community we live in.” 

Angie Halls, 49, of Portslade said: “It is heart breaking really. 

“I absolutely amazed by the number of people here. 

“We were at a family barbecue and wanted to come down. 

“Everyone has been struck by it.

“The number of people here is amazing. It shows how much people care.”

Shoreham resident Kayleigh Edmunds, 14, who knew three of the victims said: ”It’s been really hard butit’s nice to see everyone out together showing their support. 

“I heard about it though social media but it’s great to see so many people have turned up.” 

Terry Roger, of Hove, said: “I am just amazed at the amount of people who have come out. 

"We usually go to the Airshow, but on the Sunday. 

"We were planning to go last Sunday and we were there when the pilot was killed a few years agpo. 

“All the stories are so so sad. We were particularly struck by the father who cycled out there to watch the planes.

“The airshow is a charity event, a family day out for a good cause. It’s awful that something like this could happen.”