THE family of a young man who drowned in the River Ouse in York have paid tribute to their “multi-talented and much-loved” brother and son.

Richard Horrocks, 21, a bar tender at Revolution, died early last Sunday after jumping from a balcony into the river and then getting into difficulties while trying to swim to the other side.

Richard, of Stanley Street, off Haxby Road, had just finished his last shift at the bar and was set to start a new job this week.

His devastated parents, David and Vicki, and younger sister Abbi, 18, have spoken of their love and pride for the confident, loving and popular youngster.

“”It’’s an honour to have spent 21 years with Richard,” said mum, Vicki, 44. “He was the loving son, a master of all trades.””

Richard, who moved to York from Hartlepool three years ago, was a keen sportsman who played rugby, hockey, and enjoyed skateboarding and mountain biking, and was the lead singer of a band in York.

“He always enjoyed being the centre of attention,” said his father, 52, a finance director.

“Richard always had a smile on his face and loved making people laugh. We have so many fantastic memories of him that will stay with us forever. He was a bright enough kid and lived life for sport.”

Sister Abbi, a student, said: “Richard was just the best older brother, he always had something to say to make you laugh.”

Vicki said: “We have always been such a tight family unit, whenever Richard performed on stage or played sport we would always be there to support him.

“We just hope that Richard’’s tragic accident will serve as a reminder to his peers that young men are not invincible.”

She said she was speaking out in the hope that young people would realise how easily such a tragedy could happen, and that another family would avoid going through the trauma hers was now suffering.

David said the family had been moved by the sheer volume of tributes which had been left by friends on social network site Facebook. “It shows just how much of an impact Richard had on so many people.”

Richard’’s funeral takes place next Monday, August 1 from 9.30am at All Saints Church, in Northallerton.