Tragic teenager had a bright future ahead of him

Tributes have poured in for the 16-year-old Welshpool High School student, named by friends as David Pugh from Montgomery.

Matthew Denton, who taught David at Berriew School for two years, described him as "an extremely happy child who was always smiling and playing with his friends".

"He was a pleasure to teach and had a great sense of humour and character," he said. "I particularly remember the times he used to bring his tractors and toys to school and play with them in the playground.

"Everyone at Berriew School was devastated when we heard the terrible news of his death. Our feelings go out to his family and friends.

"What is for certain is he will always be fondly remembered by those who knew him at Berriew School. David, you'll always be in our thoughts."

David had been working part time for the past year at Jacks Tyres in Welshpool. Jack Richards, director of the business, said he was an enthusiastic worker whom he would have been happy to employ full-time.

He said: "He's been with us quite a long time, probably about 12 months. He came from school and was here two days a week. He would come in at weekends as well when he could. He was a lovely lad. He was interested in cars. His brother works here with me full-time and they all looked out for each other.

"It's a shame really because he was a top lad. He absolutely enjoyed the work here. If he had the chance he would have been here full-time."

The teenager was found dead at his home in Montgomery in the early hours of Monday. Formal identification is expected to take place today.

An inquest into his death is expected to be opened this week.