Tributes have been paid to a popular young engineer after he was found dead at his London flat.
Devastated family and friends of 25-year-old George Paul Howarth have described him as "enigmatic and charismatic".
The former St Christopher’s High School pupil moved to London in April to begin a new job with an engineering firm and to be closer to his girlfriend.
He was discovered by flatmates on Sunday, October 30. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances.
His parents Steven and Maureen, both 59, from Simonstone, said they have been "overwhelmed" by the support and tributes.
Steven said: "We knew that George was very, very popular but the extent of his popularity has overwhelmed us. We have hundreds of cards, some from people we don’t know. He was so much to so many people.
"He was our light, our future, he was everything to us. We did everything together. He has left a massive hole and we are trying to deal with that in our own way."
His mum Maureen said: "We have had so many cards and people have said so many lovely things to us and about George which we found so comfortable.
"He was enigmatic and charismatic, he just lit up any room that he walked into. He had a wonderful way of putting people at ease. He was so compassionate.
"We want to remember George as he was and I’m sure that will be the case for many people."
After finishing his studies at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, he worked as an apprentice at BMP Europe in Altham.
While working at the company he received the Training 2000 engineer of the year and young apprentice of the year award.
In April he moved to London to start a new project engineering job at Linde CyroPlants Ltd.
An inquest has been opened and adjourned at Battersea Coroner’s Office and a post mortem examination is being carried out.
Scores of tributes have been paid on social networking site Facebook on a page set up by his cousin Sarah Leighton.
His girlfriend Charlotte Wilson, from Whalley, said: "I Love you George with all my heart. I wish you had known how much. I miss you. It’s the longest time we haven’t spoken. And there’s too much I want to say. Rest in Peace Baby."
His auntie Louisa Holmes said the "world will be a sadder and darker place without you in it."
A funeral took place on Thursday, November 10 at St John’s Church, Read, followed by a celebration of his life at Read and Simonstone Constitutional Club.
