MEMORIAL events will take place to celebrate the life of a popular teenager who drowned.

Ben Quartermaine’s body was found on Clacton beach on Saturday, almost two days after he went missing in the waters close to Clacton Pier.

The Clacton Coastal Academy pupil’s family described him as a “happy, loving and independent boy” who had a huge love for motorbikes.

Ben, who was 15, was often at bike events with family and friends and was looking forward to his 16th birthday when he could do his Compulsory Basic Training and get out on his own moped.

His family were also in the process of doing up the moped for him as a present.

The motorbike community, which meets weekly at Great Bentley, is set for a ride out in Ben’s memory on Wednesday at 6pm.

Tara Scott, who is a member of Bentley Bikes, said: “Ben was the son of a couple of Bentley regulars and a big motorbike fan.

“We have been asked by the family to try to organise a ride in his memory.

“What we are planning to do is ride from Great Bentley Green to the left side of the promenade in Clacton by the pier.

“We would be grateful to anyone that wishes to take part.”

Collection buckets will be on the catering truck for anyone who would like to make a donation to Ben’s family.

A fundraising page has been set up to pay for his funeral with anything over and above that going to Essex Air Ambulance and the RNLI.

The two organisations helped in the search for Ben and helped to save his friend, Albert Caller.

A car cruise, starting at Holland Haven, is also taking place in memory of Ben tomorrow from 5pm to 7pm.

Hannah Simons, who is organising the event, said: “Ben’s life was sadly cut short.

“We understand he had a love for things fast, bikes specially.

“We will slow down at the seafront and past the pier where he went missing.

“Cars will be on show for his friends and family to look at if they feel up to attending.”

Investigations into Ben’s death are on-going and an inquest will be held at a later date.

The current total for Ben stands at more than £4,000.

Anyone wanting to donate can do so via bit.ly/2M7l04C.