The mother of teenager Robert Fraser, who died of an unintentional drug overdose, says a firework spectacle containing his ashes was the perfect send-off for her son.

Around 100 people gathered on Deal beach last night to bid the keen skateboarder a final farewell ahead of what would have been his 19th birthday tomorrow.

The event had been organised by his mother Michelle Fraser, who felt scattering his ashes in any other way just didn’t seem fit.

She told KentOnline: “He was so full of life, it seemed appropriate to celebrate him in this way. I didn’t want to hide him away."

Seven rockets containing the 18-year-old’s ashes were made by Universal Fireworks in Hythe, who also let off the display with approval from Dover District Council.

Robert’s friends had raised £500 between them to cover the cost of it.

Mrs Fraser said: “We had a lot more people there than expected. It was the perfect send off and a fitting tribute to such a loving young soul.

“He would have loved it. The weather cleared up just in time for it so I think he was sitting up there on his throne looking down at us with a big smile on his face.”

Following the display, people let off purple balloons, the colour for overdose awareness and the Talk It Out group in Deal who have been supporting Mrs Fraser.

She added: “I’d like to say thank you to all friends and family for their support.”

Robert, a former Castle Community College pupil, died on November 19, 2016 after an unintentional overdose of fentanyl - a strong painkiller usually used in hospital or a medical setting, which he had obtained from the streets.

Speaking at his inquest, investigating officer DS Brian Doughty said it was the first time in his career he had come across the drug in a case.

Mrs Fraser has spent the last 11 months raising awareness of the lethal drug through numerous media interviews.

She is meeting with Deal MP Charlie Elphicke on Thursday to discuss a future campaign to help teenagers in the area.

She said: “I want to see if we can do something to help teenagers who are being offered these drugs.

“That will be Rob’s legacy and a hug cures everything will be our moto as that is what he believed.”