“A beautiful, clever boy” that’s how a grieving Manea family described their son and brother, Aaron Mayes, who died on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who was training to be a civil engineer, died on the railway line in the village.

His devastated parents Jan Boardman and Loz Mayes and his younger sister Janey spoke of the massive hole left by Aaron’s tragic death.

“I feel as if my heart has been ripped out. Our lives have been completely devastated. Aaron was a wonderful son, so loving and caring. He looked after his little sister and was loved by everyone who knew him,” said Ms Boardman.

The popular former Manea School pupils was due to move into his first home with his long-term girlfriend Grace Housley-Stott this week.

Aaron had a very close circle of friends, who have been deeply shocked by his death. They held a candlelit vigil outside Aaron’s family home on Sunday after leaving floral tributes in the front garden.

Aaron’s family have found comfort from the growing number of flowers left at the makeshift shrine.

Aaron, who worked at Morton and Hall in March, where has been since joining the firm as an apprentice in 2009, graduated with a first in a foundation degree in civil engineering last year.

He was continuing his studies at Chelmsford University, where he hoped to complete a full degree in the subject.

He attended Cromwell Community College in Chatteris and continued his studies through to AS-level before leaving school to join Morton and Hall.

He loved his work and was a well-loved member of staff. He was described “as more than just a work colleague” by his fellow co-workers.

His main hobby was spending time with his family and friends and he was the joker in the pack with his dry wit and sense of humour.

He also played the drums and enjoyed music.