THE devastated mother of a teenager whose body was pulled from the River Severn today paid tribute to her "cheerful and smiling" son.

Andrew Read's death is the second tragedy to hit the family this year. His father, the Rev Ian Read, rector of Stoulton, died in August.

Andrew, aged 17, was also grieving the death of a close friend who died in September this year.

His mother Mary, of Drakes Broughton, last saw her son alive on at 10.30pm on Monday, November 13, when she dropped him off outside the Old Rectifying House pub in North Parade, Worcester.

"Andrew was a very intelligent boy who had many good ideas," said Mrs Read in a statement.

"He was very loyal to his friends. He did not always show his thoughts and feelings but had an outward face of always being cheerful and smiling.

"Obviously, we are devastated by his death and find it hard to believe that we will not see him again on this earth, but look forward to the day when we meet him again."

Andrew's body was found last Thursday, December 14, in the River Severn beside the Ketch Caravan Park and Moorings.

Tributes from Andrew's friends were left on Worcester's Severn Bridge as news of his death spread.

"You are the definition of an all- round nice guy, you will always be in my heart, love forever," read one.

Another read: "We all loved you Ready, you will always be special to all of us".

The ex-Pershore High School pupil, who had been due to move into a flat in Worcester, was one of six children.

Tributes have also come from the Bishop of Worcester.

"However well or little we knew Andrew, all of us can only be deeply moved by the terrible events which have afflicted Mary Read and her family this year," said the Bishop, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby.

"She and her family will certainly be remembered in our prayers, especially during this season.

"We particularly identify with them in the added grief in not knowing how Andrew came to die."