The family of a 19-year-old who died of cancer today urged friends to come forward and celebrate his life.

Christopher Hewitt died peacefully at his Burley-in-Wharfedale home after a two-year battle against the disease.

The former Ilkley Grammar School pupil had been treated at the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at St James's Hospital in Leeds since being diagnosed 21 months ago.

Christopher was an active teenager who enjoyed in-line skating, golf and cycling as well as surfing the Internet.

Renowned for his impersonations and humour, he passed his driving test while receiving treatment for cancer of the pelvis and was bought a car by his mum Helen as a reward.

After leaving his job at Push Button Software in Shipley, he taught himself magic tricks to amuse his friends.

Mourners are being urged not to wear black at his funeral on Friday.

Mrs Hewitt said: "We would like all his friends to come to the funeral.

"They are all welcome - he would have wanted them to be there."

Christopher leaves his mum, dad Steve, sister Kath-erine, 21, and ten-year-old half-sister Amanda.

The funeral will be held at 10.45am at The Parish Church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin, Main Street, Burley-in-Wharfedale.

The service will be followed by an interment at Ilkley Cemetery.

Donations instead of flowers will be given to the Teenage Cancer Unit at St James's.