THE sister of a teenager who died after suffering an adverse reaction to a curry has dedicated her university degree to him.

The family of Phillip Heywood (19), a former Bury College student, are still coming to terms with his death last month.

Sister Andrea (22) graduated from Lancaster University last week with a 2.1 BA Hons in French Studies and dedicated her achievement to her brother.

Her parents Ged and Marianne, and younger sister Sara, travelled from their home in Churchill Drive, Little Lever, on July 14 to see Andrea honoured for all her hard work.

Andrea said: "It was hard because there was someone missing throughout the day. My mum and dad weren't really sure how they would feel during the day but it was wonderful.

"When the photographs had been developed, there were just four of us on them, which is really difficult to look at. But when I actually got my result, the first thing I said was 'This is for Phil.'"

And the family's day was given a further lift when they rubbed shoulders with a star of the big screen.

While waiting to have her class photograph taken, Andrea spotted former Bolton School pupil and star of Lord of the Rings, Sir Ian McKellan, who was receiving an honorary degree from the university.

She said: "I could not believe it when I turned round and saw Sir Ian. He stood out a mile with his blue suit on, and even joined us on our photograph. I really didn't want to crowd him as there were so many people asking for pictures, but my sister Sara just went over and asked him and he was only too happy."

Andrea now plans to head back to France where she lived and worked for a year as part of her degree studies. She will head to the continent in September, but until then hopes to continue to help raise money for the Anaphylaxis Campaign, in memory of her brother.

Phillip was diagnosed as having a mild nut allergy as a baby. But after sharing a tikka masala curry with his girlfriend Becky, he complained of feeling ill and suffered an anaphylactic shock.

Phillip was taken to hospital from Becky's home in Heywood, but died two days later.

For more information about the condition, telephone the Anaphylaxis Campaign on 01252 542029.