A FAMILY has paid tribute to their eldest son who lost his battle against alcoholism and died aged just 28.

Brian Simmonds died last Wednesday while in the withdrawal stages of treating his alcohol problem.

Born on May 12, 1975, he was a pupil at Margaret Stancomb Infant School and John of Gaunt School, Trowbridge.

Mr Simmonds joined British Gas as an apprentice after he left school and studied at Filton College, Bristol, for his apprenticeship to become a fully qualified service engineer in Trowbridge.

He lost his driving licence and subsequently his job through his alcoholism but had tried to beat it several times in recent years.

His mother Sandra said: "We knew and everyone else knew that he was an alcoholic but it never seemed like it was so bad that he had to die so young.

"It just does not seem to make any sense."

Brian's family have been inundated with cards and letters from people paying tribute to his selfless character.

In one, an old John of Gaunt schoolfriend described Brian as having a great sense of humour and was someone who was always there to chat to if you needed it.

His father Robert said: "We have had some lovely cards from his friends who all said what a brilliant guy he was.

"He would do anything for anyone and would always have the time to help out or stop and chat."

Brian enjoyed clubbing and dance music and his family said he always dreamt of opening his own nightclub.

His brother Robert, 26, said: "He was a collector as well and a bit of an entrepreneur.

"I remember him collecting the lids off bottles when we were kids and claiming the money back.

"He was brilliant with his money making schemes."

The SmartMove organisation in Wiltshire helped Brian find somewhere to live this year.

Mrs Simmonds said: "We want to thank them for all the help they gave him."

His funeral will be held today at 11.30am at Holy Trinity Church, Trowbridge.