THE heartbroken mother of a Wirral teenager who died when he was swept into the sea has paid tribute to her “amazing” son.

Sam Capper, from Birkenhead, died on Wednesday after he fell off rocks on the South Wales coast.

His 21-year-old brother, Lewis, dived into the sea in an attempt to save him but the pair had to be rescued.

And now the 15 year old’s mum, Leah Hunt, has spoken of how the death of “Spud” – as he was affectionately known to family and friends – has left the whole family devastated.

In a statement released by South Wales Police, Leah and Lewis said: "We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts during what is a really difficult time for us.

"Sam, who most people knew as Spud, was a unique, amazing, boy who touched the lives of so many people with his generosity, kindness and infectious laugh.

"He was incredibly loving and was so supportive and proud of us in our careers with British Transport Police and the Royal Navy, though he didn't want to go into uniform service himself, he wanted to be an accountant "He loved his brothers and sisters and spent most of his time - when he wasn't thinking about football - trying to help people and make people smile.

"He was a huge fan of Tranmere Rovers, though he also liked Arsenal - which caused a bit of good-natured rivalry with Lewis who supports Liverpool.

"Sam has left a gap in our lives and will be missed, not just by his family, but by everyone who knew him.

"Our only consolation in this terrible tragedy is that, at the end, Sam wasn't on his own - Lewis was with him, holding on to him tightly."

Sam and Lewis had been fishing with two other friends near Llangennith, Gower, when the tragedy happened.

The alarm was raised at 8pm when a third member of the group ran to a nearby beach and used a walker's mobile phone.

A fourth person kept watch over the brothers until help arrived.

Swansea Coastguard, Rhossili Coastguard, the Loughor Inshore Rescue Lifeboat, Burry Port RNLI inshore lifeboat and the Tenby RNLI and a rescue helicopter all attended.

One brother was picked up by lifeboat and the other was winched from the water by helicopter.

Following his death, Sam’s school principal at the University Academy Birkenhead also paid tribute to the “model student.”

Geraint Parry said: “It was with great shock that we learnt of the tragic death of Sam Capper.

“Sam was an outgoing and popular young man who enjoyed life to the full. His gentle humour and easy banter won him many friends and his teachers described him as a ‘model student’.

“He was also an able sportsman, loved playing football and hockey, and having just completed Year 10 he was due to begin his final year where he looked set to achieve success.

“Sam’s death has shocked our close community and we will be doing all that we can to support his friends and family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time.”

Detective Insp David Hough from South Wales Police said: "This was a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this sad time."