The ashes of two young men killed in a head-on car crash have been sent off to go on tour with a world famous heavy metal band.

Members of Bullet For My Valentine, who have sold more than five million albums worldwide, have agreed to give James Simmons and Corran Powell, known as Coz, the ultimate send-off by bringing them along their tour of North America this year.

The arrangement was organised by Coz’s brother Jaz, who had been in contact with the band after the members had paid tribute to James, 18, and Coz, 21, by posting a video and message on their Facebook page.

Coz’s mum Gennie Powell, of Greenfields in Gosfield, sent out the ashes to the band’s management team this week.

The family made a piece of jewellery in the shape of a cog in recognition of Coz’s gaming hobby.

She said: “We made a piece of stainless steel jewellery inspired by the Gears of War game. Coz was a hardcore gamer and he had a very impressive score."

See the full story in this week's Braintree and Witham Times.