FRIENDS and family gathered at the favourite watering hole of a 25-year-old who was killed by a sudden seizure.

Steven Tizzard died on March 14 in the bedroom of his home in Gibson Close, Abingdon.

His family said his death was a "complete shock" and are awaiting an inquest to find out exactly how he died.

The keen Manchester United fan had been looking forward to seeing his first game at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Friends of the builder's labourer, who worked for A & I Contractors, met at lunchtime on Friday at the Boundary House pub, in Abingdon, to pay tribute to the "lovable rogue".

The informal meeting was arranged through a group set up on social networking site Facebook called In Memory of Steven Tizzard, where friends have left messages.

Mr Tizzard's brother Leigh, 28, and sisters Emma, 30, and Becca, 20, also attended the get-together.

His mum Janet Tizzard, 52, said: "He liked Manchester United, his friends and women.

"He was a great lover of music - The Kooks, Arctic Monkeys, and indie music. Basically he was a normal lad.

"He went out drinking with the lads, watched the football and came home."

She said his favourite pub was the Boundary House.

Mrs Tizzard said: "He was banned a couple of times after being lairy at the football, but he always managed to wheedle his way back in.

"He could always charm the birds from the trees.

"He was certainly loveable. Everybody loved him."

His sister Emma said: "He loved his football and would always make sure he could watch the Manchester United games at home or with his mates.

"He played for Abingdon Boys when he was younger and enjoyed a kickabout with his mates in the summer.

"He loved music and was forever downloading it off the Internet and playing it loud.

"He was just a typical 25-year-old who liked going out with his mates.

"It was a complete shock when he was found in his bedroom."

Speaking at the Boundary House, sister Becca said: "There have been a lot of people here and the pub has been really full.

"He seemed to know the whole of Abingdon, and two of his friends have come from Brighton.

"It is quite overwhelming to see how well-liked he was.

"His friends organised this and it is what he would have wanted.

"He would not have wanted anyone to mope around, so this is fitting."

The funeral for Mr Tizzard, who attended St Nicolas' Primary School and John Mason School, will be held at 1.45pm on Monday at Spring Road Cemetery in Abingdon.

He has supported Manchester United for the past ten years and his mother urged mourners not to dress in black but in red and white, in honour of his favourite team.

Everybody is welcome and donations can be made to the Jane Ashley Breast Care Unit.

Among the messages on the Facebook site Steve Waters, from the West Midlands, wrote: "You were a wicked bloke mate, always up for a laugh, you'll be missed."