A 33-YEAR-old man who tragically collapsed and died at home was given a spectacular send-off last night when his ashes were let off in fireworks over the village green where he was born.

A 33-YEAR-old man who tragically collapsed and died at home was given a spectacular send-off last night when his ashes were let off in fireworks over the village green where he was born.

The grieving family and friends of Jason Hemson gathered at Long Melford village green to witness 12 fireworks containing his ashes illuminate the night sky, ensuring his lifetime was marked in a truly dazzling fashion.

Mr Hemson lived life to the full and last night his mother, Kriss, said her son would have wanted to go out with a bang and that the sparkling display was a fitting tribute to him.

Mr Hemson was known for his colourful personality and his zest for life, characteristics that were obvious from the day he was born.

He made a grand entrance into the world when his pregnant mother went into labour and an ambulance was called to take her from her Great Cornard home to the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.

The ambulance only got as far as Melford green, where paramedics were forced to pull over to deliver Mr Hemson.

Last night his family ensured the end of his life was marked as dramatically as it had started.

His mother said: "Jason always said he would like to have his ashes scattered on the green, he was a very lively person so we used the fireworks so we could say goodbye in a spectacular way.

"If you knew Jason and the kind of person he was, you would understand why this is such a fitting tribute, I am certain he would have approved."

Mr Hemson lived his entire life in the Sudbury area. He was educated at Great Cornard Upper School and most recently worked for conservatory firm A and B Glass.

He was a keen sportsman and excelled at football, for which he had played for several local teams. He was also keen on martial arts and received several merit certificates for kick-boxing.

He also had a passion for music and socialising, one of his favourite musicians being guitar legend Jimi Hendrix.

His mother said: "Jason was a person who just lived life to the full. He was a very loving person and he was great with kids, he was a fantastic uncle. His death has left a big hole in our lives, we all loved him so much and we miss him terrible."

Mr Hemson collapsed and died at his flat at Rosemary Gardens, Sudbury, in March. The cause of death is not yet known and an inquest is due to heard later this year.

More than 200 people attended Mr Hempson's funeral service at the Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford last month.

He leaves parents Kriss and Ron, brothers Pete and Craig and sister Tina, and three nephews and a niece.