THE parents of a 20-year-old man who took his own life have paid tribute to their son.

Matthew O'Malley was found in the bedroom of his home in Wood Street, Bury.

His parents told of their shock and devastation at the tragedy but also spoke of how proud they were of their son, whom they described as having achieved so much in his life.

His mum, Miss Sue O'Malley, who lives in Burgundy Drive, Tottington, said: "He made us so proud. Matthew had moved into a house with his cousin which they were renting. He was so happy and excited. He was making plans for the future.

"We are just in shock at what has happened."

Matthew worked at his father Paul's business, Archmaker Ltd, in Bury. Previously he had worked at McDonald's with his cousin, Stuart Thomas, with whom he was renting the house.

Mr O'Malley said: "He had come to me and said he was feeling low, and said he could not understand why because things were going well. I told him to go to the doctor, which he did. He started taking medication and he seemed to be getting better. He even said to me that he was feeling better.

"There were no signs, no indications that this would happen. He had taken all the right steps to get himself better."

The former Tottington High School and Bury College student was making plans to go snowboarding in Scotland, and to Amsterdam with friends. Matthew was also a motorbike enthusiast and was planning to buy a bike when he turned 21 in July.

"He was buying things for the house and establishing a base. He said that after sorting out the house he would go travelling, and even spoke about going round the world," said Miss O'Malley.

She added: "Matthew worked hard and knew what he wanted to do. We were so proud of him. He was independent, yet at the same time he was so close to his family. He would visit his grandma regularly and play with his 14-year-old brother. He always seemed to be so happy. He will be missed so much."

Matthew's funeral will take place later this month at St Anne's Church in Tottington.