A FATHER has paid tribute to his bright and affectionate son who died within months of conquering a drug addiction.

Now John Stooke wants something positive to come from the unexplained death of his 31-year-old son Corrie by setting up an advice service for other young drug users and their parents.

Corrie trained as a bricklayer at Swindon College and took his trade all over the world.

He spent time working in Tenerife, the West Indies and America.

The former Hreod Parkway pupil kicked his dependence on heroin after a stay in a rehabilitation centre near Weston super Mare. He was planning a return trip to the US this year but died on December 7.

His father said: "He wasn't interested in money or material possessions, he just liked reading, walking and travelling.

"His lifelong dream was to live on a beach in the sun.

"Everyone who knew him loved him. His outside public persona was always bright but he did suffer from anxiety and depression.

"He got involved with drugs but he was always trying to stop. For six months before his death he was drug free. He was going to the gym every day and was getting himself together.

"His death is such a shock and has touched so many people."

Mr Stooke, 56, of Minety, would like to set up a drop in centre for young people to get advice about drugs before they become too heavily involved.

He said: "Such a project could take years but I want to see if anything can be developed. I would welcome any advice, ideas or contact from any parent who may find themselves caught up in this and not know what is best," he said.

The circumstances surrounding Corrie's death remain unexplained and an inquest has been adjourned until next month.

Mr Stookes said: "We don't know what happened on the night of his death. We gave him some money to go to the pub but he didn't come back.

"He was found in a house in West Swindon where people said he had just fallen asleep."

Corrie's mother Diane said: "Despite his own anxieties and problems, he never focussed on himself to the detriment of others even in his worst times.

"He always had time, patience, a smile and a kind word for others. Everyone who met him remembered him with affection."

Corrie's funeral was held at Emmanuel Church, Hayden Wick, just after Christmas when more than 300 mourners wore bright clothing and brought presents to send to Palestine.

The family wanted his funeral to be a celebration of his life.

Mr Stookes said: "We wanted something a bit special. We had photos projected onto the church walls and a jazz band played at the reception afterwards."

Corrie also leaves four sisters Claire, 33, Kelly, 24, Carla, 18 and Dayna, 15, all of whom live in Swindon.

bvadde@newswilts.co.uk