MEMBERS of a community are mourning the loss of a "loveable young man".

Andrew Bird, 27, of Holborn Hill in Millom, died last Thursday after falling into the river. 

It is believed that Mr Bird was trying to retrieve something that had fallen into the water when he slid down the bank. 

Mr Bird was a popular figure in the town and the first to lend a hand to anyone who would let him, often helping out in many of Millom's pubs and social clubs.

Cheryl Bird, mother to Andrew, said: "Andrew was such a popular lad - I never realised how popular he was until this happened. 

"He was always out and about in Haverigg and Millom. 

"He always used to help out at the rugby and do glass collecting in pubs just to help out.

"Andrew loved the rugby and his sports and he loved trainspotting too.

"Sometimes he would get on a train to Preston and stay all night in the station just to watch."

The former Millom School pupil loved his home town and got involved in whatever way he could, whether it was working to deliver The Advertiser or helping out in local pubs.

Mrs Bird said: "Andrew loved Millom and loved being part of the community. 

"He also loved Millom Community Church and was a projectionist there."

Pastor Fred Mckeown, of Millom Community Church, said: "Andrew was a fantastic young man and was really loved by the church.

"It has really hit us very hard because he was part of the church's family.

"He was a loveable guy and a great character and we will really miss him."

Mrs Bird continued: "He loved the church but he lived the life of a normal 27 young man.

"He was always going out and coming back a bit worse for wear - his favourite drink was Guinness."

Mrs Bird spoke of Andrew's rich social life and revealed that the young man was a huge karaoke fan. 

She said: "He loved karaoke and always sang the same song - Reach for the Stars by S Club 7. 

"I'm going to play that at his funeral."

Mrs Bird described her son as a fun-loving man and a "cheeky" boy but also spoke of his struggle with Asperger's syndrome. 

She said: "We had two cats and he absolutely loved them. 

"He used to say that they would calm him down when people were bullying him about his autism. 

"Some people just didn't understand but there were far more many people who were his friends."

In addition to have many friends, Mr Bird was also extremely close to his two siblings, Jessica, 20, and Simon, 25.

Mrs Bird said: "He got on well with both his siblings but he adored Jessica. 

"He felt protective of her because she was a girl. 

"With Simon he was matey and pally but he was very protective of Jessica.

"He always thought of everyone else first."

She added: "Andrew was very loving - just such a lovable lad who would do anything for anyone.

"He was a kind, generous, fun-loving, loveable young man who will be sorely missed."