TRIBUTES have been paid to former Sharples High School pupil Hassan Mehmood.

The 25-year-old, who was found hanged in a children's play area in Halliwell, was described by his friends and family as a happy, caring, much-loved young man, who loved films, music and spending time with his pals.

Mr Mehmood was discovered in the play area off Yarrow Place on Monday, April 4, at 6.25am by a dog walker. He was declared dead at the scene half an hour later.

His sister Lubna said: "My dearest brother Hassan, I will always miss you. I hope you are resting in peace. My heart is crying as I have lost a caring, loving, little brother. Love you loads."

His niece and nephew Zainab and Adil said: "To our lovely Uncle Hassan — we will miss you loads — we will always remember you in our hearts."

Friend Natalie Farrell, aged 25, of Stoneclough, said: "I knew him from secondary school but we became best friends later, when we were 18 or 19. We spoke every day.

"He had such an amazing personality. He was really happy all the time. He would light up any room.

"He would compliment everyone and he did anything for anyone."

Ms Farrell worked with Mr Mehmood on Child Support Agency casework at Serco in Manchester Road for three years.

He had been out of work but was due to start a new job with a PPI claims handling firm in Bury the day he died.

The former Sharples High School pupil lived with his mother and his older sisters Uzma and Lubna.

Ms Farrell said: "His family all loved him. He meant everything to his mum and he really loved her.

"We would always go round to his house and his mum would cook.

"He loved music, he loved films, in fact any excuse to spend time with friends."

Ms Farrell said Mr Mehmood helped her at a fundraising cake stall at Bury College last year.

Ms Farell added: "We're all devastated. It doesn't even feel real. We just hope he is at peace now."

Friend Jameel Sharif said: "My dear friend who was taken before his time, you will be sadly missed. And forever in our hearts and minds we will not forget."

Friend Jessica Young said: "Hassan was and will always remain the most fabulous friend anyone could wish for.

"He always put a smile on everyone's face and brought warmth to everybody's heart.

"I will treasure the many memories for the rest of time. Hassan you will always be my superstar."

And friends Natalie Settle and Nicola Cornwell said: "He was loved so much by everyone and I'm so glad that I had a chance to meet Hassan and actually call him my friend. He was one of a kind."

Friends of Mr Mehmood are inviting people to attend a balloon and Chinese lantern release in his memory at one of his favourite spots — the viewpoint at Rivington Pike — at 7.30pm on Thursday.

An inquest into the death of Mr Mehmood, of Felton Walk, Astley Bridge, was opened on Friday at Bolton Coroner's Court and adjourned until August 4.