TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular young man who helped dozens of homeless people in his home town.

Andrew Christopher Banks died suddenly at his home in Wycombe Street, Darlington, on Friday, aged 26.

Police have said that there are no suspicious circumstances.

Mr Banks was the co-ordinator of the In From The Cold project, based at Grange Road Baptist Church, in Darlington.

The project was set up in December to provide shelter for homeless people during the coldest months of the year.

The project, which ends in March, has helped more than 50 people, and provides people with a bed for a night, as well as food, a shower and professional advice on housing.

The Reverend John Elliston, minister of Grange Road Baptist Church, said: "Andrew was a reserved deep-thinking young man who gave himself unreservedly to the help of many homeless people that are part of Darlington's population.

"His enthusiasm and concern for justice are a legacy that all those associated with In From The Cold will not forget.

"He is and will be greatly missed."

Mr Banks worked on the project from its beginning, after working on a placement with housing charity, the 700 Club

Dr Elliston said Mr Banks had the ability to get alongside and relate with the homeless users of the project, but without a sense of superiority.

He said: "He always had a great vision that what we were providing wasn't enough.

"He was enthusiastic for something much more purpose-driven than this project, which was essentially a sticking plaster.

"The 700 Club is dedicated to working with the homeless and I'm sure that part of his vision will be picked up through the 700 Club."

Mr Banks leaves behind a four-year-old daughter, Lilith, his parents Louise and Stan Glendenning, and six siblings.

His funeral is being held on Monday at 10.45am at Grange Road Baptist Church.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, will be divided between the In From the Cold project and a trust fund for Lilith.

An inquest into Mr Banks' death was opened and adjourned yesterday.