A grieving son whose mum and sister died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning says he will knock down the burger hut where he tragically found them dead.

Tyla Wanstall, 26, says the Meat ‘N’ Greet snack wagon off the Old Thanet Way in Whitstable now holds too many “horrible memories” following the tragedy earlier this month.

He instead plans to reopen the business in a new van in honour of his mum, who he says would not have wanted him to give up his livelihood.

But first he and his family are arranging a “big, bold and pink” send-off for Leah Churchill, 50, and Brooke Wanstall, 17, who lost their lives on February 14.

He says the family have been overwhelmed by the support shown to them, with thousands of pounds raised to fund a joint funeral, and hundreds of people attending a balloon release in tribute to the pair.

Tyla says following the service he will decide what to do with his business, which is currently based at the entrance to Benacre Riding Stables.

It was there Tyla discovered his mum and sister, who were overcome by the fumes from a petrol generator while decorating the hut as a surprise for his birthday.

“It has to go, of course, because it just has horrible memories,” said Tyla, of Whitstable Road, Faversham.

“But I have to keep going and earning a living for my family, so I’m getting another burger van. Mum always wanted to help me in the business and would not have wanted me to just give up.

“I know I might suffer flashbacks but I have to throw myself into it and give it a go, and hopefully people who come will have a cup of tea to remember her and my little sister.”

Tyla says he has not yet decided whether to keep his new unit on the same site or in another location nearby.

The grieving dad, who only recently had a baby boy with his partner Beth, says the whole family continues to reel from the tragedy.

Leah and Brooke, who lived together in Wife of Bath Hill on the London Road estate in Canterbury, were both pronounced dead at the scene.

A balloon release was held for them on Herne Bay seafront the following day, with hundreds of friends, family and well-wishers paying their respects.

Speaking on the day, Tyla said: “We’re overwhelmed and blown away by the huge support and kindness we’ve been shown.

“Quite honestly, it’s kept us going when we’re all in a very dark place.”

There were emotional scenes as music loved by the mum and daughter was played, with the crowd toasting Leah’s life with her favourite drink, vodka.

Many of the balloons released were pink, with others shaped as the initials of Leah and Brooke’s names.

Among the crowd were Leah’s other two children, Ocean, 23, and 12-year-old Sonny.

It is thought Leah and Brooke had gone to the burger hut and put on the petrol generator for heat and power while they prepared it as a birthday surprise, unaware of the dangers.

Tyla says he had no idea they were planning to go there and usually would keep the generator inside overnight for security.

The official cause of their deaths has not yet been confirmed, but police say there are no suspicious circumstances.

A report has been prepared for the coroner, who is expected to open an inquest in the near future, but the investigations will not delay the funeral.

Tyla says no date has yet been fixed, but they intend to give his mum and “beautiful baby sister” the perfect send-off.

“All I know is that we’re dreading it,” he said.

“But one of the things that is helping us keep going is all the incredible kindness and support we have had from everyone, and the amazing amount of money that has so far been raised.”

Two separate fundraising pages set up for the family have so far attracted donations totalling more than £17,000.

'All the money will be going towards an amazing joint funeral to give them both the send-off they deserve..."

Tyla has thanked everyone for the support, saying the family have been “overwhelmed and blown away by the huge support and kindness" they have been shown.

“I hate having to ask for help but we really do need it,” he said.

“All the money will be going towards an amazing joint funeral to give them both the send-off they deserve.

“Anything left over will go towards my little brother and just trying to get things back on track with my mum’s house.”

To donate to the fundraisers, click here or here.