‘A SHINING light in all our lives,’ is the poignant tribute from the family of Joe Allen, who died suddenly at the age of 19.

Tributes have flooded in for the much-loved former Lymm High School pupil who was also a talented musician and a member of the band Citylights.

In a family statement his mum Claire Manock, a fundraiser for St Rocco’s Hospice, and dad Rob Allen, said: “We have been left devastated by the death of our beautiful boy who was a shining light in all our lives. Our thanks go out to all for the warm and heartfelt messages of sympathy we have received.”

Joe, from Grappenhall, was studying history at Nottingham University when he collapsed suddenly on June 19.

He spent a number of days in hospital where medical staff tried to save him before his death on June 24.

His funeral took place yesterday, Wednesday, at St Elphin’s Church and was followed by a celebration of his life that included performances of his favourite music from his friends and bandmates.

James Smith, Citylights drummer, said: “Joe’s death came as a shock at the time because it came out of nowhere. We were going to do an album this summer and were working as hard as we could.

“The news is saddening but after the loss we think about how close he has brought everyone and we think of the good points. We always talk about him constantly and we have to think about the positive side.”

He was well known for his talents and was a regular in school productions, taking the lead role in Slice of Saturday Night.

Friends have written tributes to Joe on to a memorial group set up with his family’s wishes on Facebook.

Among those were ones from his former teachers at Lymm.

One, Mike Lawton wrote: “Very shocked to hear the sad news. I would echo all the many comments about what a bubbly, happy person he was – even when being taught by me! Joe, it was a privilege to have known and taught you. My sympathies go out to all his family and friends.”

While Sally-Ann Louise Clouston added: “The performing arts department at Lymm High School loved you dearly Joe. You were a star, a gifted performer, an action man, a ‘rock climber’, a hero.

“You were one of us and the earth is impoverished without you on it.”

You can leave your tributes to Joe Allen below.