A SERIES of moving tributes have been paid to a teenage motorcyclist who was killed in a crash in Ipswich.

A SERIES of moving tributes have been paid to a teenage motorcyclist who was killed in a crash in Ipswich.

Ben Summerton died when his Honda bike collided with a concrete post outside a house in Nacton Road in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Despite desperate attempts to resuscitate the 19-year-old, he died at Ipswich hospital soon after.

A page on social networking website Facebook has been set up in Ben's honour, with scores of tributes posted by his grieving friends and family.

Adam Summerton, Ben's brother, said: “Ben was large, passionate, funny, stubborn and grumpy in equal measures.

“I'll miss him more than I thought possible and more than I can explain.

“I'll miss his sense of humour and his passion for all the things he loved and I'll regret not having enough time with him to do all the things we planned.”

Ben's mother, Wendy Edgell, said: “I am so glad that Ben was able to fulfil some of his dreams - having his own dog, owning exotic animals and finding freedom by becoming a biker and owning his own motorbike.

“I always believed in him and he will live on in my heart forever.”

Ben's sister Emily Edgell added: “Love him now and always.”

Best friend and former college classmate Daniel Edwards described Ben as “an absolute legend and the best friend a guy could ask for”.

He said: “There was not a bad bone inside of you.

“You should know that you made my college life so much easier.”

Ben, who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2003, would have turned 20 tomorrow.

He had finished a late shift at McDonald's in Ravenswood and had decided to take a detour on his way home from work when the tragedy happened.

Ben, of Purdis Farm, Ipswich, had only bought his Honda NSR 125 in November.

He loved animals and had successfully completed his Advanced National Certificate in Animal Care at Otley College last summer.

A collision investigation is underway and anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any information in relation to it is asked to call Pc Richard Godden at the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Pay tribute to Ben - write to Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or visit the Evening Star website at www.eveningstar.co.uk