MICHAEL Blakey's brother has said his family has been "overwhelmed" by tributes to the 23-year-old.

In an internet blog, Chris Blakey thanked all his friends for their words, saying: "There are so many people who are doing so much for my family and myself, and we really are overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who Michael has - in even the smallest way - influenced.

"He truly was one of the good guys' and I am sure, wherever he is now, it will be a better place for his presence."

Tributes for Michael have continued to fill the pages of internet blogs.

The Rev Richard Hall, Methodist chaplain at Swansea University, where Michael studied, said he still had not come to terms with the fact that the bright student, who had been driven to try and get justice for the world's poor, had died.

He said: "Mike was top-notch. He was funny, imaginative and took a mean photograph.

"He was musical without having any formal training - he decided to learn to play the guitar, so picked one up and taught himself, and did the same with the piano."