Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Fitchett and Hugo Morris, who were from the Shropshire area, had been reported missing, prompting an urgent multi-agency search operation.

The four were found in an overturned silver Ford Fiesta in Eryri, also known as Snowdonia.

The car had left the A4085 at Garreg, near Tremadog, and was partially submerged in water.

North Wales Police confirmed on Wednesday evening the road had now reopened after the conclusion of its investigations at the scene.

Rev Roland Barnes told Sky News the service in the village of Llanfrothen, in Gwynedd, on Wednesday had been "very impromptu".

"I was very pleased, or surprised almost, the number of people that turned out," he said.

"It was really touching actually to see so many people there and it just shows how the events have touched people so much."

Rev Barnes said the "hearts and thoughts" of the community were with the boys' parents.

"It's hard to imagine how they must be feeling because I've got children, I've got grandchildren of my own and I don't know how they cope," he said.

"I can't help admiring the young lads, seeing their pictures, who decided to just go on an adventure.

"Going out to have an adventure, it's a wonderful thing to do. It's just such a shame that it ended so sadly and unfortunately."

Crystal Owen, Harvey's mother, wrote on Facebook: "I feel like I'm in a nightmare I wish I could wake up from but I'm not."

Read more:
Mum describes 'nightmare' after son among four found dead

Local pub the Brondanw Arms said residents will meet at the memorial in Llanfrothen on Thursday evening.

In a post on Facebook, the pub said it would be an opportunity for residents to express their condolences to the families and to remember the young men who lost their lives.

Shrewsbury Town Council said its Christmas lights switch-on planned for Wednesday evening would not go ahead following the boys' deaths.

Rishi Sunak sent his sympathies to the families at Prime Minister's Questions and Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford said the incident was "devastating news".