Further tributes have been paid to a Leiston man who died after a fire in the town last week.

East Anglian Daily Times: Leon Clark, aged 20. of Leiston, was reported missing on Thursday by his distraught family Picture: DIANA FORDHAMLeon Clark, aged 20. of Leiston, was reported missing on Thursday by his distraught family Picture: DIANA FORDHAM (Image: Archant)

On Friday, police identified the remains found in a portable building next to Leiston Football Club as those of 20-year-old Leon Clark from Leiston.

Leon went missing last Monday and died in the fire which broke out on Tuesday morning.

The former Leiston High and Suffolk New College pupil was described by his family as a “happy go lucky young man” who loved life, his family and creative cooking.

They also praised his individuality and described him as having an inspirational way of looking at life.

East Anglian Daily Times: Leon Clark Picture: SUPPLIED BY FAMILYLeon Clark Picture: SUPPLIED BY FAMILY (Image: Archant)

His aunt, Diddy Fordham, described Leon as “one of the quirkiest people you would have ever had the pleasure to meet”.

She added: “I am one of the proudest, luckiest aunties to have known you Leon, even more so to call you family.”

His grandad and step-nan, Alan and Angela Clark, added: “Such a shame a light that been extinguished too early, you were always loved and will always be loved and will be loved forever and always in our thoughts.”

Tonya Clark, one of Leon’s cousins, remembered fondly the times she had spent with him: “Going to Ipswich will never be the same without our hilarious bus journeys.

“But they will always be in my mind and heart; I will never forget them.

“We had some amazing times – no one will ever take them away from me.”

Leon’s Uncle Herbie said that the youngster had a cheeky smile.

“He was a typical ‘Rodney’ from Only Fools & Horses. He loved to just be around happiness even if he was the centre of what people was laughing about.

“His natural witty one line reply’s often filled the room with more laughter than the previous comment, and that cheeky smile kinda set pause as if to say ‘I owned you!’”

Leon’s cousin Kieran Clark said: “I wish I was there when you needed me, I wish you weren’t alone, but now you will never be alone again.”

Another cousin, Midge Fordham, added: “I love you Leon, but never got to tell you how much till now.

“You will be with us, with every heart beat. You will not be alone up there as you will have Nanny.

“Hope you have a great time up in heaven, love you lots.”