The memory of James Hurren who died in the Boxing Day tsunami ten years ago is set to live on in a mulberry tree being planted in a private family ceremony today.

The 22-year-old was just 16 days into a Thailand adventure that promised new experiences and excitement in one of the most beautiful places on the planet when he was caught up in the catastrophe responsible for the deaths of 250,000 people across 14 countries.

To mark the anniversary milestone and reflect on James' unfair passing members of his family will today plant a King James 1 mulberry tree, also known as 'a Chelsea' chiming with James' enthusiastic support of the London team.

This week his heartbroken father Dale Hurren of Manor Road, Caister, said he hoped his beloved eldest son would never be forgotten releasing a new photograph taken just a few months before his death.

A picture of happiness James is pictured left with his father and two younger brothers on a 'boys holiday' in Spain - a snapshot of togetherness that will be forever cherished.

Mr Hurren said his eldest son was only two weeks into his gap-year adventure when tragedy struck on the idyllic island of Phi Phi.

'James was exceptionally special in every way,' he said. 'He always lived life to the full and could light up any room with his smile and sheer presence. I hope and wish that James is never forgotten and strongly believe that he is still very much around us all every single day.'

Dale's wife Jules said James's younger brothers Daniel and Thomas, now 30 and 26, had 'the loss and pain etched on their faces every day'.

In the years after the tragedy Mr Hurren became involved in tireless fundraising as the battered island looked to the future and tried to rebuild everything that was lost and broken.

Keeping his son's memory alive and giving something back to the local people saw him organising a string of summer balls at Gorleston's Ocean room and personally delivering donations and gifts.

But every time he made the trip the untimely loss of his son was always 'in the air,' he said.

The couple visited the island together for the first and last time around three years ago and saw for themselves the progress that had been made rebuilding the harbour and schools, which was helping them to move on.

The family are also planning to release bio-degradable lanterns in fitting tribute to James's traveller spirit.