A DEVASTATED Romsey mother has paid tribute to her "beautiful, funny and amazing" son who died.

Thousands of pounds have already been raised in Leon Roy Hine's memory, as a GoFundMe page has been set up towards a funeral and tribute.

An inquest heard that 25-year-old Leon was found hanging at a property on Banning Street, Romsey.

So far 135 people have pledged £3,255 towards a £10,000 target towards costs of a funeral and tribute, with any excess funds will be donated to a Suicide Awareness charity such as Papyrus.

Its organiser Ashley Hine, who is Leon's brother, has written: "Like many of you, no doubt know, Leon sadly lost his battle with mental health. This GoFundMe is to try and raise funds to help give him the best funeral/tribute possible.

"Leon was the youngest of Sally and Gordon's children. He leaves behind a mother, a father, a daughter, brothers, sisters, niece's, nephews, his partner and friends who are all devastated.

"There are no words that can be shared at a time like this, and with great reluctance, we are hoping, his friends can spare a small donation to help cover the immediate cost of laying him to rest. His sudden and unexpected passing has left a hole that cannot be filled.

"Leon was fiercely loyal to anyone who knew him, he was crazy, funny, misunderstood with a heart of gold! These are not my words, but words shared by those who knew him."

On a Facebook post, Leon's mother, Sally, said: "We would like to thank everyone for the flowers and tributes that have been placed outside our home and to everyone who have contributed to Leon's funeral."

She added: "If you think no one cares, get yourself dressed and come here and stand outside and see how wrong Leon was when he had those feelings.

"The youth in Romsey have the power of social media to look out for one another and check on each other.

"If you know anyone who's going through this tell someone please. If you are the one going through this, I beg you to get help, bang in as many doors as you can, shout it from the roof tops if you have to.

"Romsey can not lose anymore of their youths.

"If anyone wishes to contribute any money but don't have Facebook, there is a pot inside Cloud Vapers Romsey vape shop."

Leon was discovered on December 1, the hearing heard.

He was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester where a post-mortem was carried out.

Senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson adjourned the hearing until May 28.