A teenage A-level student died after suffering an epileptic fit that his family believe may have been brought on by exam stress.

Graeme Williams had been revising for A-levels in chemistry, biology and sociology.

He was hoping to study for a bio-medical degree at Sunderland University.

But the South Tyneside College student died after a severe fit at his home in South Shields, South Tyneside.

The seizure stopped his heart.

Graeme was pronounced dead after being taken to South Tyneside District Hospital.

Yesterday, his family spoke of their pride at the life of the quiet and caring 18-year-old. His mother, Catherine, 45, said her son's death was a warning to others.

"Others should be made aware of what epilepsy can do - it has taken our son from us," she said.

"Graeme would have sat his exams this month and, although he didn't tell us he was worried, we think he was. We think the fit he suffered could well have been stress-related.

"He has suffered from the fits for three years and, a few months ago, his medication was upped because he began to have them more frequently."

On the day of his death, Graeme had been to an examination seminar event in Newcastle and was in good spirits on his return.

Mrs Williams, her husband Ernie and 14-year-old daughter, Melissa, are still trying to come to terms with the loss of Graeme, whose funeral service was held at South Shields Crematorium on Friday.

Graeme was a pupil at Harton Technology School, where he was chosen to be a buddy to younger children who were being bullied.

Mrs Williams said: "We will all miss him so much. It is hard to believe he has been taken from us like this."