A GRIEVING mother, whose teenage son suddenly died, has urged mourners attending his funeral tomorrow to wear bright outfits.

Former Evesham High School student Russell Airns, aged 19, was found dead in bed by his grandmother at her Evesham home last Wednesday.

Russell, who worked as a chef at the Old Swan Inn in the town's High Street, suffered from epilepsy and his mother, Tracy Airns, thinks he may have had a fit shortly before he died.

She said: "Russell was a very sociable, caring person - everyone phoned him up for advice and friends and family called him the agony aunt of Evesham.

He loved cricket and played for Bretforton and was mad on football, supporting Manchester United.

"Russell also loved working at the pub - I know he loved every one of his work colleagues and he told me he wanted to be the next Jamie Oliver. I want to thank them for looking after him because I know being there was one of the happiest times of his life.

"Russell lived life to the full and he would tell everyone to make the most of their lives.

"He would not have wanted anyone to be morbid and if people don't want to wear black to the funeral, that is fine with me. Russell would have liked it to be bright and happy and that is the way I want him to be remembered."

Russell also leaves a 14-year-old half-sister, Jade, and father Roger Norledge, who lives apart from the family.

Russell's funeral service will be held at Evesham's All Saints Church, tomorrow, at 1pm followed by burial at Waterside.

A wake at the Old Swan is planned from 2pm onwards as a final tribute to Russell.

Duty manager, Graham Heselton, said: "Russell was lovely and bubbly and a very energetic person.

The staff are shocked by his death and he will be missed."

Flowers or donations to the NSPCC can be made through funeral directors Campion & New on 01386 422233.