A MUCH-loved Barnoldswick teenager has died suddenly.

Jimmy Gibson, 16, of Gisburn Road, collapsed on Tuesday as he set out for a check-up at the hospital.

Jimmy, who was born with serious heart problems, had complained to his mum, Teresa, that he could not breathe.

Paramedics tried to revive him, but sadly their efforts failed.

Both his parents and hospital staff were devastated by his sudden and unexpected death.

A post-mortem examination revealed his heart had simply stopped working.

His mother, Teresa, paid tribute to him, saying:

"Jimmy was a great character and touched the lives of everyone he met."

As well as his parents, Jimmy leaves his brothers Gerald, 17, Jack, 16, and sister Loretta 14.

A funeral service will be held at St Joseph's Church, Barnoldswick, on Monday, followed by burial in Ghyll Cemetery.