A YOUNG sports fanatic from the North-East has died after being struck down by a massive stroke, it was revealed last night.

Johann Rooke was getting ready to leave for work at a Glasgow bank, when he suddenly felt an intense pain in the back of his head.

Moments later he collapsed on the floor of his Glasgow home, unable to move his legs.

The 26-year-old, from Eppleby, near Darlington, managed to reach his mobile phone which he used to call for an ambulance, but he later died in hospital.

A keen footballer and rugby player from an early age, Mr Rooke had been fit and healthy throughout his life.

But his sudden stroke remains a mystery. Doctors believe it could possibly have been caused by a bump or a knock to his head on the playing field.

His mother, Ann, a charity worker, described her son as a lively and fun loving person.

She said yesterday: "Johann's death has come as a complete and utter shock to his family and friends.

"He was always playing sport or doing something, and had never had any health problems. It's just a mystery why he suffered a stroke so young.

"I have not only lost a son, I have lost a best friend as well."

Mr Rooke was born in Middlesbrough and at the age of two moved to Eppleby with his mother, later attending Barton C of E Primary School and then Richmond School, which he represented at rugby and football.

A Boro supporter all his life, he made regular visits to the Riverside Stadium, and as a keen motor racing fan, he often visited Croft Circuit to watch races.

He went on to study computing at Darlington College of Technology and followed his mother to Glasgow, where he gained a job as a computer technician with Clydesdale Bank in 1994.

A funeral service will be held at St Peter's Church, Cleasby, at 1pm, tomorrow, before burial at West Cemetery, Darlington.