A CHEEKY teen-ager who lived his life to the full has died at the age of 16.

Nicky Rogers was born with Down's syndrome and congenital heart disease, but was determined to put his all into everything he tackled.

The youngster died on November 20 after suffering heart failure.

Mum Linda, of Downs Valley Road, Woodingdean, said: "Nicky was happy, friendly, very talkative and popular.

"He was strong-willed and could be stubborn. He loved life."

Nicky was a pupil at Castledean School, Hollingdean, before

moving to Downs View School, Brighton.

He had achieved his bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and was

presented with his silver award by Brighton and Hove Mayor Jenny Langston just three days before he died.

Garden

Nicky's other achievements included making a sensory garden for blind children at his school.

He also enjoyed

swimming, cycling, and music. He played the keyboard, enjoyed watching videos and playing board games and computer games.

Linda said: "Nicky loved The Young Ones and loved playing the song on his keyboard.

"He also loved ice cream, sausages and the colour red."

Dad Martyn said: "He was cheeky, had a wicked sense of humour and loved to make people laugh. Nicky hated to see people upset and did everything in his power to cheer them up. He was much loved and will be very sadly missed by everyone."

Nicky leaves an older brother, Matthew, 18, and a sister, Sarah, 14

His funeral is at noon on Monday at the Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton. Everyone who knew him is welcome.

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