A TEENAGER who bravely battled against cancer from the age of nine has died.

Robert Brownless, 16, was yesterday described by his family as having an infectious personality and an amazing will to live.

The youngster, who recently celebrated his birthday with a family holiday at Great Yarmouth, died as a result of a brain tumour.

He famously swapped notes with the then Northern Ireland Secretary and Redcar Labour MP Mo Mowlam, who had also received treatment for a brain tumour.

When the pair met at Cromwell Road Primary School, in Middlesbrough, Robert, who was 11 at the time, presented her with a story he had written about his struggle.

Dr Mowlam jokingly compared bald patches with him.

He had to undergo chemotherapy, and was registered blind as a result of the tumour and an operation that was carried out to remove it.

But Robert, who loved horse riding and swimming, refused to let his illness get the better of him.

He took on a newspaper delivery round in Billingham and attempted to ride a motorbike.

His aunt, Dawn Brownless, told how in August doctors gave Robert only months to live.

She said: "It was amazing because that gave him more determination.

"He refused any more treatment and just wanted to live in those last few months. We are so proud of him."

Robert's mother, Denise, 39, said he battled with great dignity and was a loving brother to Anth, 13, six-year-old Connie and three-year-old Patrick.

DawnBrownless, 42, yesterday paid tribute to her nephew.

She said: "Robert puts us all to shame the way he lived his life. The tumour made him more determined to live.

"He had an infectious personality and a wonderful sense of humour.

"He had such a strong will to live and was full of energy, just like any normal, healthy boy."

Robert died last week at the Butterwick Hospice, in Stockton.

A funeral service will take place today.

Friends are asked to meet at St Columba's Church, Middlesbrough, at 10.45am, followed by interment at Thornaby cemetery.