THE parents of a teenager who collapsed and died as he played in the street have spoken of their shock.

James Smith was only yards from his home when he collapsed on Friday.

The 15-year-old was known to have a heart condition, but doctors did not believe it was life threatening.

Tests have now been carried out to establish the cause of death.

James' father, John, who lives in Tunstall Terrace, Darlington, said: "This shouldn't happen to somebody so young.

"We knew he had an irregular heartbeat, but as far as we knew it wasn't serious.

"He'd gone out to play hide and seek with his cousins and his brother and collapsed in his brother's arms in the street. There was nothing anybody could do."

James, who was autistic, was a year ten pupil at Darlington Education Village.

He was first diagnosed with the heart condition SVT - Supraventricular Tachycardia - after collapsing on the way to a bonfire display in November.

After regular check-ups at Darlington Memorial Hospital, he was due to have a routine corrective operation last Thursday but surgeons decided against it after he became upset on his way into the operating theatre.

The surgery was to be rearranged for next month, and James was due to go back to school this week.

Last night, Mr Smith and James's mother, Tracy, paid tribute to their happy and loving son who was fascinated by cars, gadgets and Manchester United.

"He was 6ft 1in and weighed 18 stone, but he was a gentle giant," said Mr Smith, a 47-year old timber salesman.

"He was young for his age but he never let his autism faze him.

"We were joined at the hip - we did everything together. He loved computer consoles and gadgets, and he liked nothing more than when I took him up to Currys or Comet for a look around.

"He had a heck of a sense of humour and was always laughing and joking."

Mrs Smith, 42, added: "He could be quite shy, but after a while he would come out of his shell and be great fun. He didn't have a mean bone in his body."

As well as his parents, James leaves behind brothers Mark and Michael.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Seaton Leng funeral directors. The family has asked for all cards and flowers to be sent to Seaton Leng and Son, 59a Bondgate, Darlington, DL3 7JR.