A MOTHER whose son was shot dead by a friend marked his 21st birthday today by scattering his ashes.

Anthony Rigby, of Swift Close, Larkhill, Blackburn, was just two days from his 19th birthday when he was shot once in the head by former school pal Mark Harrington in January 2002.

Harrington, of St James Road, Blackburn, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, later pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and is detained indefinitely in a mental unit.

He had displayed paranoid and erratic behaviour before the incident and a public inquiry in December revealed a catalogue of failures by health staff and social services in his treatment and care.

Today, on what would have been Anthony's 21st birthday, his mother Carole, 44, of Corwen Close, Blackburn, her family and Anthony's friends will go to Pleasington Cemetery where Anthony has a garden with a special tree and plaque, to scatter his ashes.

Carole, mum to 26 year-old Paula and Maria, 25, said: "Today would have been Anthony's 21st birthday -- a big celebration for any child.

"He should have been going out enjoying himself with his mates, having a party, chatting to girls, just having a real good time and a 21st to remember.

"But my son can't do any of those things now -- we have all been denied so much.

"I will never see my son again -- see him grow up, have his own family and children. All that has been taken away and all for nothing.

"Until now, Anthony's ashes have remained at home. The family feel it is time to let Anthony be free and be able to rest in peace but he will be with us forever and in our hearts."

Tonight at exactly 8.25pm -- the time that Anthony was born -- 21 special firework rockets will be released in his memory at the family's home.

All his family and friends -- who Carole is still in close contact with -- will attend.

Carole said: "Everyone has been so kind and sent Anthony some precious 21st gifts for me to treasure forever.

"Life is empty without Anthony -- seeing his cheeky face and smile. Anthony was loved so much and will be forever. He will never be forgotten.

"I have and never will have any forgiveness for taking Anthony away for us all. I just hope every day and night he is suffering just as we are and he stays where he is forever.

"He is never safe to be let out -- ever."