A DEVASTATED father has paid tribute to his caring and sensitive son who has died aged just 23.

A DEVASTATED father has paid tribute to his caring and sensitive son who has died aged just 23.

Ben Beckford, who worked at Mendlesham near Stowmarket, loved life and adventure, travelling to both Australia and America during his young life.

He was found dead at a rail crossing at Palgrave at the beginning of this month.

The accountant, who lived at South Lopham, played cricket for nearby Diss, and was invited to Australia by the Great Boulder Cricket Club to watch their matches.

While on the other side of the world, staying in a former gold mining town about two years ago, he travelled around the country exploring the tourist sites during his six month stay.

The former Diss High School student had also flown to the United States to watch American Football, staying in Hawaii, visited the Caribbean with his family, and would go to Wales for boxing matches and London for shows.

Ben was the son of Ian and Rosie Beckford, from South Lopham. Mr Beckford, who works in property maintenance, said: “He enjoyed his life and his holidays and travel. He was a super kid all through and we were very close.

“He was very thoughtful and happy go lucky. He never had a bad word to say about anybody and always seemed to think about someone else.

“Rosie and I want to thank everyone for sending so many cards, we had 122 through the post, and for attending the funeral, where we think there were 300 people who came.”

Ben's sister Stephanie said: “He had a go at most things. We always used to have fun times and he would always look out for me.”

Mr Beckford was born in South Lopham, near Diss, grew up and lived in the community his whole life. He attended the village primary school before going onto Diss High School, where he studied for A levels in the sixth form in subjects including business and computing.

After school he pursued as a career at Ceva Logisitics, in Mendlesham, where he worked in accounts.

His funeral service was held at South Lopham's church on Wednesday afternoon, followed by the burial, and an inquest into his death was opened and adjourned by the Lowestoft coroner's office on February 2.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation in his memory, for the Friends of Botesdale Health Centre, may send them c/o Rackham's Funeral Service, The Waveney Chapel, 43 Stanley Road, Diss, IP22 4BN.