A 'MURDERED' chef whose body was found in a flat in Clayton-le-Moors was a 'lovely boy who would help anyone', family said.

James Todd, 27, was discovered in a badly decomposed state on Monday September 27.

A post mortem examination found he died from a single stab wound to the heart.

David Fielding, 25, of Lynthorpe Road, Blackburn, has been charged with murder.

Mr Todd's biological family, mother, father and brothers all from Eccles, Manchester, said in a statement released tonight: "He was a lovely cheeky boy and would help anyone.

"He liked to travel. He would not harm anyone and enjoyed life. He was loved by all his family and will be sadly missed by his mother, father and brothers."

His adopted mother and father, Osbourne and Christine Todd, and sisters from Irlam, Manchester said: "James was a born entertainer, the life and soul of any family occasion.

"James was very caring, especially to young people regardless of who they were.

"He was a unique young man who lived life as he wanted to. He was a great joker and will be very much missed by all his family and friends.

"Everyone is shocked and devastated at this loss.”