A devoted York mother has spoken of her son's love for life after he died just a week before his 23rd birthday.

Anne Crouch paid tribute to the work of the SNAPPY group, with whom her son, Andrew, was a regular before he fell ill 18 months ago.

Andrew, who had Down's Syndrome, lived all his life with his mother, Anne, in the Bootham area of York.

He was due to celebrate his birthday on Sunday, but, following his illness, he died at home last weekend.

Anne said Andrew used to play football for the SNAPPY team during organised fun days.

"He spent many happy days there. He loved it and they were great to him. He would be upset to know it could close."

Andrew had heart and lung problems which led doctors 16 months ago to predict he had just six weeks to live.

Andrew's father, Kent, died when Andrew was only six months old, so it was up to Anne to bring him up virtually alone.

Andrew went to Galtres School and Lidgett Grove School, York. He had also attended Glen Lodge, in Heworth.

More recently he studied cookery at York College.

Anne said: "He loved sport - football, swimming and bike-riding. He was very happy-go-lucky and full of humour."

Andrew leaves a sister, Sarah Anne, brother-in-law David and nephew, Jack Andrew.

His funeral takes place at York Crematorium on Monday.