A 16-year-old Burnley boy has died after suffering a suspected allergic reaction.

Paul Howard died at the weekend after being taken to Burnley General Hospital by his sister.

And today tributes poured in to the fun-loving talented student and footballer who lived in the shadows of Turf Moor in Thursfield Road.

"Paul was a very popular young man, well liked by his fellow students and his teachers. He was a conscientious student and we had high hopes for him.

"He was also a keen footballer and a member of the College's Football Academy.

"He will be missed by all his friends and tutors at the College and our thoughts and sympathy are with his family at this sad time."

David Franklin, headteacher of Towneley High School, where Paul was a pupil until last summer, said the youngster often used to play practical jokes on his form tutor of five years, Pauline Gorman.

He said: "Paul was a great lad, a great joker. He was the class clown in the best sense. He used to enjoy playing practical jokes on her. She obviously thought a lot of him.

"He did well at school. He got the grades needed to go on to college. Paul was a nice lad to know as well, always smiling and a quick word.

"He was a very gifted sportsman. He played for the school team and played on Turf Moor in the Keighley Cup.

"All the lads respected him and looked up to Paul. He was well thought of. He was good in what he did but wasn't big headed about it. Nobody has anything but praise for him.

"It's terrible. An absolute tragedy."

Paul's death has been referred to East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor.

Coroner's Officer PC Bob Wilson said: "I am led to believe he was taken to A&E by his sister.

"Currently we are looking along the lines he may have suffered a reaction to something.

"A post mortem examination is due to be held today which should tell us more about what happened."

Paul's family was today too upset to talk.