TRIBUTES have been paid to a young father who died from a genetic condition affecting only 100 people in the world.

Marcus Mitchell, 32, of Pinewoods Way, Colerne, was diagnosed with cancer, caused by the condition, six months ago and is survived by his father, sisters and five-year-old son, Archie.

His mother died from the same disorder 12 years ago, at the age of 42.

Mr Mitchell's condition meant he lacked the protein P53 - which functions as a tumour suppressor.

The condition is so rare there are only about 100 cases in the world and only about 20 of those are in the western world.

A minute's silence was held before the start of Colerne Rugby Club's Dorset and Wilts Division One clash with Corsham on December 16, as Mr Mitchell used to play for the Colerne side.

His friends and relatives packed St John the Baptist Church in Colerne for his funeral on December 15 and his stepfather and former rugby team mates acted as pallbearers.

His girlfriend created a slideshow of photos from throughout his life, which showed him full of life and happiness.

Mr Mitchell was diagnosed with multiple cancers six months ago and spent the last few weeks of his life in Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley. He died on December 4.

He was born and brought up in Colerne and lived there with both parents and his sisters.

His parents divorced and his mother remarried and he and his sisters lived with her and his stepfather in the village.

He went to Corsham School and worked as a hospital porter at Chippenham Hospital before learning his trade as a stonemason.

His stepfather, Tony Burgess, 58, said: "I looked after him and looked at him as a type of son.

"He was a loveable rogue. He liked a beer but when his lad was born he became a devoted father."

His father, Bruce Mitchell, said: "Marcus thought the world of Archie, that's what kept him going."

He had been a keen rugby player who had played for Colerne Colts in his youth and then went on to play for the rugby club's second team.

Rory Auld, who used to play rugby with Mr Mitchell and who read a eulogy at his funeral, spoke of his friend's sense of humour and love of his son.

He said: "Our friendship was brilliant because nothing mattered - there were no protocols.

"You just had a great friend - and lots of people did. He always looked out for his mates.

"He will certainly be sorely missed by lots of people."

Eddie Gardiner, chairman of the Colerne club, said: "We held a minute's silence for him at the game because three ex-Colerne players were playing for Corsham and we had six of the original Colts side playing too.

"I thought for them to do it for him was wonderful."

Ben Harraway, secretary of the club, said: "He was a cracking lad with a great temperament - very unassuming."