THE heartbroken family of a 19-year-old Bromsgrove youth are this week coming to terms with his sudden death while he was holidaying with friends on the popular island of Tenerife.

Neal Squires, affectionately known as "Squid" and described by his workmates at ASDA in Bromsgrove as "popular and friendly" - died in his sleep last Thursday morning at the hotel where he was staying with three pals.

The sad trio were set to return to the UK last night. Neal's body will be flown back on Friday.

His mother, Jacqueline, speaking from their terraced home in All Saints Road, said she did not know the cause of her son's death, but there are no suspicious circumstances and an inquest will be held later.

She said Neal died five days into a two-week holiday he was sharing with friends he had made while a pupil at South Bromsgrove High School.

His father, Mark, a fireman at Kings Norton station, who is divorced from Jacqueline, is recovering from a recent serious illness.

Neal is one of four, three sons and a daughter, and is the second eldest child.

Iain, his older brother, said he was a keen sportsman and played football for Bromsgrove General in the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District League and for Bromsgrove Rugby Club colts.

Neal had yearned for a career in the Royal Navy, he said, and had been at the point of being accepted when his hopes were dashed when it was found he was colour blind.

"He was waiting to hear what the Navy could offer him," he added.

A member of staff at Bromsgrove's ASDA store, where he had taken a job while waiting for the Navy to contact him, said: "He was a very popular and friendly member of staff, we'll all miss him."