THE grieving parents of a young man killed in a motorcycle crash are warning of the dangers of riding without a helmet.

The spot where popular 21-year-old Adam Jones from Pontypool died is adorned with flowers and hundreds of people are expected to attend his funeral on Friday.

Pam Jones, 46 and Tony Baynham, 43, told the Argus they wanted to send a warning to young motorcyclists.

"I think he would have lived if he had worn a helmet. He would have survived," said Mrs Jones: "All his life he was motorbike mad. "He had a heart of gold and would help anybody - it's heart-rending that he's gone."

Mr Jones died after crashing the Aprilla 125 bike on the A4043 at Riverside, near Pontypool, on Tuesday, January 17. The former West Monmouth school pupil, known as 'Yagga' to friends, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"He was a free spirit who had a love of life," said Mr Baynham, of The Links, Trevethin.

He added: "I can see him now, putting on his hair gel and after shave - getting ready to go out on that night. "He said 'I'll see you about 10', and I remember thinking 'yeah right, more like 2am'.

"I wish he would come home and wake me up at 2am like he used to." His mobile phone, which now sits on Mr Baynham's mantelpiece, contains a poignant reminder - a relaxed self-posed picture.

"Right now it's hard to explain how I feel - it's like I'm a zombie. I just want to lay my son to rest," added Mr Baynham.

He described how his son "lived for his music" and "grabbed life by the horns".

"He was our only one that is what makes it so hard," he added. Mrs Jones described a son who "loved animals and was great with children". "I only wish he had lived to have children and made me a grandparent," she added.

The family are expecting hundreds at the funeral at St Cadoc's Church in Trevethin.

"All his friends are welcome to come along to the service at the church," said Mr Baynham.

The funeral starts at 8.30am but those wishing to attend are asked to arrive at 8.15am.