Suspected ecstasy boy's 'heart of gold'

Ben Hennessy died after taking what is thought to be ecstasy

The family of a 15-year-old boy who collapsed and died after taking what is thought to be ecstasy said he had a "heart of gold".

Ben Hennessy was rushed to hospital after becoming unconscious, but just two hours later was pronounced dead.

His mother, Shirley Bullen, said she has not only lost her youngest child, but has seen her family devastated by the tragedy.

"We are a close knit family and his brother, Lee, and sister, Charlie, are devastated by what has happened," she said.

"Ben was a good son, brother and grandson.

'Kind and thoughtful'

"He enjoyed keeping fit and regularly did weightlifting with his brother; they were the best of friends.

"He was a popular, easygoing lad with lots of friends and was known to most as Benny Boy.

"He was such a kind and thoughtful boy. Always thinking of others.

Heart of Gold He had a heart of gold - he will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts. Shirley Bullen, Ben's mother

"At primary school he befriended a little girl who suffered from arthritis and helped her to get about in the playground.

"He planned to spend the summer doing labouring work for his granddad and he told me he was going to save up the money he earned to take me on holiday.

"He had a heart of gold - he will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts."

His father, Gary, added: "He had his whole future ahead of him. I cannot believe he has gone from our lives."

Ben, who had been studying for his GCSEs, collapsed at an address in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

He was taken to West Hertfordshire Hospital in Hemel Hempstead at 1700 BST and was pronounced dead at 1900 BST on 30 July.

Drugs warning

Police officers investigating the death are putting up posters on the estate where Ben died.

The posters have gone up on the New Greens estate in St Albans appealing for information about the youngster's death.

They also warn children about the dangers of drugs.

It is thought Ben had been with a group of boys and girls shortly before he was taken ill.

Two 16-year-old boys and a 17-year-old youth were arrested on suspicion of supplying an illegal substance and have been released on police bail.

A mobile police station has also been located on the estate and extra police officers are on patrol duties.