A FATHER has paid tribute to his 'caring and sensitive' son who died aged 23.

John Howard

A FATHER has paid tribute to his 'caring and sensitive' son who died aged 23.

Ben Beckford, who worked in Mendlesham and lived in South Lopham, is described as loving life and adventure.

He was found dead at the Palgrave rail crossing at the beginning of February.

His father, Ian, 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, where he lived for his whole life. He attended the village primary school before going onto Diss High School, where he studied A levels in subjects including business and computing.

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

Ben played cricket for Diss and enjoyed travelling. He was invited to Australia by the Great Boulder Cricket Club to watch their matches, where he toured the country for six months.

He 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.

Tributes to Ben had been left at the Palgrave rail crossing. One message said: “Ben, we can't believe that you are gone, we hope that you have found inner peace. The angels have one more amongst them.”

Another message read: “Ben, I will never forget you. You brightened my day and always made me smile. Rest in peace, love always.”

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.