A world famous heavy metal band have signed up to be patrons of a music festival in memory of a talented musician who was killed in a car crash.

Welsh rockers Bullet for My Valentine have agreed to be official patrons of CozFest, the festival organised to honour former Gosfield resident Coz Powell.

Coz, 21, died with his friend James Simmons, 18, when a driver high on drugs and drink hit his vehicle.

After his tragic death, Mr Powell's family began fundraising to purchase a strip of land to create a survival course and camping area in honor of Coz’s favourite pastimes, which is where the festival will be held.

The band, who have sold more than 10 million albums worldwide, have been big supporters of the family over the years and took Coz and James' ashes on tour with them around the globe in 2015.

Gennie Powell, Coz's mum, said: "We keep in contact with them although they are obviously very busy.

"I thought I would ask them as we have nothing to lose.

"They normally reply within half an hour but this time it was like three days.

"They obviously had a meeting but they came back and said they would do it. We are over the moon."

Preparations for CozFest are now in full swing, with the first bands on the line-up having been announced.

Mercury Rising, Luke Fisher, Bribe for the Ferryman, Roskrow, Dan Fraser and Memory Boy are all so far confirmed.

Mrs Powell said: "It is still very busy at the moment and we are still in need of some non-food related stalls to join the festival.

"But it is settling down a bit and I know where I need to be going with things.

"At the moment myself and Ant (Powell) are up at the land every day mowing and getting this ready.

"It is very exciting for us."

CozFest takes place on Saturday, September 8, at Foxborough Hills, in Halstead Road, Sible Hedingham.

Tickets are on sale now for £8.

To find out more, or if you can help, visit https://bit.ly/2JfqRHV.