SCORES of mourners turned out to pay their respects to a Carnforth teenager who died suddenly at an 18th birthday party.

Peter Taylor, 17, fell ill at a house in Warton and was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, but died a short time later.

Lancashire Police confirmed there was nothing untoward and family believed the death was caused by an undiagnosed heart problem.

Friends and family of the ‘bubbly lad’ wore specially-made wristbands printed with his name at the Christ Church service, Carnforth, yesterday.

Parents Rob and Diane, of Crag Bank Road, said they were ‘overwhelmed’ by the support they had received.

They described their son as ‘bubbly, cheeky and someone who was always smiling and joking’.

“He had passed his driving test and got his apprenticeship and was enjoying that and also having his own money. He was into his BMX biking, and he used to go off and do that – he was just happy-go-lucky,” his dad added.

“He will be missed by everybody.”

Friends of the youngster, who flooded Facebook with their memories and who released Chinese lanterns into the sky in his memory, also created a tribute wall and lit candles at the Salvation Army Cellar Youth Centre, where Peter spent a lot of time.

Letters on the wall include the words: “I have known you since I was a baby. I knew then you would be someone special. You are an inspiration to me and all,” and, “You were the best friend anyone could ask for.”

A party was also held at the centre on Monday, which would have been Peter’s 18th birthday.

Salvation Army Major Angela Tucker said: “We had a party and a toast and it was the right thing to do – it is what Peter would have done.

“We are all feeling the pain. Peter was a really, really lovely guy.”

Peter was a pupil at Christ Church Primary School and Carnforth High School before going on to complete a vehicle mechanics course at Lancaster Training Services in Heysham, where assistant training manager Lee Lawson described him as a ‘very exciting prospect’.

He then became an apprentice mechanic at L and W Wilson, Endmoor, in July.

Workshop manager Alistair Hodgson said: “Peter quickly settled in with his work colleagues and was looking forward to a career in the motor industry. He will always be remembered for his quiet and gentle nature with a cheeky little grin, and will be sadly missed by us all.”

Peter also leaves behind 21-year-old sister Rhian, with whom he was said to be ‘very close’.

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