PUPILS and staff at a Bolton school were in mourning today for a popular 17-year-old student who was found dead at his home.

Andrew Spackman, a sixth former at Canon Slade School, Bradshaw, is thought to have collapsed.

It is believed that he was discovered by relatives at his home in New Court Road, Egerton, in the early hours of Sunday morning. It is understood Andrew had been feeling unwell a couple of days previously. He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Bolton Hospital at around 1.30am but was declared dead.

Canon Slade headteacher the Rev Peter Shepherd was informed last night of the tragedy. He said prayers for Andrew in a special sixth-form assembly this morning.

The Rev Shepherd led tributes to Andrew. "We are still reeling from shock," he told the BEN. "He was a lovely lad. He was just one of those who was popular both with pupils and staff.

"Andrew had been with us from the first year. It's a great, great tragedy when a young life just goes like that."

There was also a sense of disbelief about Andrew's death at the Wilton Arms pub in Belmont Road where he had worked for around two years.

Landlady Linda Worthington said he was "a lovely young man" who was a pleasure to have around.

She said: "He was so amusing that just walking into a room and seeing him would make you smile. We have some very fond memories of him. We can't think of him without smiling.

"He had a really good nature. He could be quite cheeky but only in a nice way and he never had a cross word with anyone. Whatever job you wanted him to do he would do without sulking or complaining.

"Andrew was a real asset and he will be very sadly missed."

It is understood Andrew's brother and step-sister also work at the pub and went in on Sunday as they tried to come to terms with the tragedy.

A police spokesman confirmed this morning that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Andrew's death.

Andrew's family were too distressed to speak this morning. A police spokesman said: "His parents are very upset."