SUFFOLK-born train enthusiast Chris "Andy" Anderton has been given the perfect send-off after he collapsed and died at work.His ashes were placed in the firebox of the steam engine he drove for nearly 30 years and were blown through the countryside he loved.

SUFFOLK-born train enthusiast Chris "Andy" Anderton has been given the perfect send-off after he collapsed and died at work.

His ashes were placed in the firebox of the steam engine he drove for nearly 30 years and were blown through the countryside he loved.

Mr Anderton had lived on the Isle of Wight for many years. He worked as an engineer on the island's electric rail line – and on his days off was a volunteer on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

The 57-year-old died from a rare heart condition just days after driving a steam train during the railway's Thomas the Tank Engine event at the end of July.

He was born in Little Wenham and lived in the gatehouse on the old Hadleigh Branch line when he was growing up.

"That must be where is love of trains started, it all grew from there," said his brother Michael.

"He was so keen on the railway he used to drive his moped down there every weekend from Milton Keynes.

"Eventually he moved to the island – and worked for the railway during the week and volunteered on the steam line every weekend."

Mr Anderton leaves a widow, Nella, two children and two step-children.

The disposal of his ashes was unusual – but not unique.

"It is something that is done from time to time for people who have a close relationship with the railway," said chief engineer Len Pullinger.

"Andy was a great servant to the railway and it was a fitting way for his ashes to go."

Ashes from cremations at Ipswich are normally spread on the garden of remembrance, but can be taken away by families for special interments.

Some die-hard Ipswich Town fans have their ashes buried behind the goals at Portman Road – although the club doesn't allow them to be scattered on the pitch because they could damage the grass.

The ashes of keen sailors have often been scattered on their favourite stretch of the river – or in the sea.

Others have their ashes scattered around their own garden.

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