The heartbroken parents of a teenager who died of cancer have paid tribute to his courageous battle.

Simon Hartshorne, 19, pictured, died at his home in Bolton Woods, Shipley, on Wednesday, just over two years after being diagnosed with osteo-sarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

Now Simon's parents Stephen and Annette Hartshorne, who were by his side when he died, are asking people to donate money in his memory to help other young cancer sufferers at St James' Hospital where he was treated.

Mrs Hartshorne, 41, said her son, who began work as a trainee hydraulic hose technician after leaving Tong School, was diagnosed with cancer in spring 2000 after complaining about a pain in his knee.

She said: "He had regular chemotherapy at St James' and two operations at the Royal Orthapaedic Hospital in Birmingham. He was given the all-clear in the spring and was in remission, but a few weeks ago a scan showed he had inoperable tumours on his chest.

"He got fed up at times and things must have been awful because he went through such a lot. But he never let things keep him down and was a real hero for the brave way he handled it all.

"We're devastated - we knew it was going to happen but still can't believe that it has. He was the life and soul of our family, things are just going to be so quiet without him.''

Mrs Hartshorne said mourners at Simon's funeral would be asked to make a donation to the Cancer Teenage Trust at St James'.

Simon also leaves a brother Lee, 23, and sister Claire, 12. A funeral service will be held at St Monica's Church in Wilsden - the village where Simon was born - at 11am on Tuesday.

Simon's relatives have requested family flowers only and are asking for donations in lieu to be sent to the Cancer Teenage Trust, St James' Hospital, Leeds.