THE family of an immensely popular born-and-bred Kendalian who died in the New Year have paid a touching tribute to him.

Nicholas Lees, 36, passed away on January 3 at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

At the age of nine, he was diagnosed with diabetes, but that did not deter him from amassing an army of friends and spending time fell walking in the Lake District with his closest companions.

Mr Lees was born on September 4, 1981, and he attended Brantfield Nursery, St Thomas's School and The Queen Katherine School. He went on to work for Lakeland Limited in Kendal for more than a decade.

Karen Eaves, Mr Lees' mother, said the Hallgarth Circle home they shared had felt empty since his death, despite the living room quickly filling up with floral tributes to her son.

"He had many friends – at school he was very popular and the house was always full of his mates," said Ms Eaves. "He was a very gentle boy and he just loved people. If he cared about you, he wanted to show you it.

"He had so many friends – we've had so many cards and different people are having to carry him in and out of the church because that many people want to carry the coffin."

She added: "I've had messages from people I don't even know. I've been here for 55 years and he made so many more friends and touched so many more lives than I ever did. He was like a chameleon – he adapted to other people's personalities and they just loved him."

"He lived at home with me and now I'm just lost without him. He made me immensely happy."

Mr Lees' younger sister, Jennifer, said: "He was an amazing brother and had such a kind and gentle soul.

"He was loved by everyone and since he's died people have been fantastic with us. I would love to say a big thank you to everyone."

Mr Lees' funeral takes place at St Thomas's Church on Friday, January 19 at 11am, followed by interment at Parkside Road cemetery and a wake at Netherfield Cricket Club. All are welcome to attend.