LECTURERS at the University of Bolton have paid tribute to a 24-year-old student who died suddenly.

Games graduate Christopher James Taylor died on Sunday, June 5, in his sleep.

He graduated last year with a First Class honours before securing his dream job at Travellers' Tales Games.

Beverley Bright, lecturer in Games Art, said: "Chris seized life with both hands. He did everything with complete commitment and always with a smile.

"I can’t believe that enormous energy has gone from the world.

He was one of the loveliest students I taught."

Senior Lecturer in Games Design/Games Art, Chris Bateman said: "Chris was every inch the model game design student - committed to his studies, an excellent team player but equally capable of working alone, and producing outstanding work in every conceivable area of study throughout his time at the University of Bolton.

"After graduation, he was soon snapped up by TT Games, who recognised his talents and gave him a chance to fulfil his dream of working for the games industry.

"His tragic passing has been a great shock to those of us who taught him on the Games course, and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends. We will never forget this rising star who has sadly been taken from us too soon."

Senior Lecturer in the School of Creative Technologies Judah Smith, said: "Watching Chris grow and improve was always very compelling, and it was so good to see him and his close group of friends get everything that they worked so hard for. It makes it all the greater loss that he got to enjoy his triumphs for too short a time. I’ll always miss Chris and remember him fondly."

Programme Leader in BA Games Art, Tim Ash said: "I had the privilege of teaching Chris at University, he was such a talented and lovely person, and he will be missed by all of us."

Christopher has a Facebook Tribute Page where thoughts and stories about him are being shared.

Christopher family has also set up a GoFundMe for anyone who wishes to make a donation in his memory http://www.gofundme.com/28ewh2k.

The funeral will take place at Charnock Richard Crematorium. Preston Road, Chorley on Monday (4 July 2016) at 2pm.