Tributes have been paid to a kind-hearted and popular 17-year-old boy from Bristol.

Chris Waldron, a sixth-form student at Marlwood School in Alveston, died on Thursday night.

Police said he died in 'tragic circumstances' and his death is not believed to be suspicious.

The Almondsbury teenager's death is the latest devastating setback for his family – after his father Bill died of a brain tumour in 2003 and his mum Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2008.

Students at Marlwood School were sent home after they found out about Chris's death yesterday.

Mrs Waldron said Christopher was a much-loved son and brother to his five siblings.

"He was bubbly, fun and hard-working. He was a popular boy who did a lot of charity work. He was looking forward to going to university," she said.

"Obviously the family is devastated by his sudden death and asks for privacy at this most difficult time."

Keith Geary, head teacher at Marlwood School, where Chris was in his second year of sixth form and studying A Levels in IT, art and drama, said: "We were very shocked and saddened when we heard the tragic news. Chris was a well-known and well-liked member of the school community.

"He played a very active role, from helping with drama productions to undertaking fundraising for charity.

"Our thoughts are with Chris's family and friends, and we will be doing all that we can to support our students during this difficult time."

In May last year, Chris shaved off his long hair to support his mum as she battled cancer and to raise money for the charity which helped his family through difficult times when his father died.

The £265 he raised went to St Peter's Hospice's Family Liaison And Grief Support charity, FLAGS.

There had only been 11 weeks between Mr Waldron's diagnosis and his death.

Chris is survived by his 47-year-old mother, three brothers Stephen, 29, Philip, 27, and Nicholas, 21, and sisters Sally, 25, and Rosie, 11.

The charity head shave was not the only example of Chris' dedication to others.

Last October he received an award from Avon and Somerset police at the Children and Young People's Awards Ceremony.

Each of the force's six police districts were asked to nominate individuals and groups that have inspired them and made a big difference to their local community.

Chris, who was 16 at the time, was nominated by the Severnside beat team for his involvement as a volunteer at Almondsbury Youth Club.

As well as the money he raised for the hospice he took part in a fundraising event in 2007 that made enough money to buy a new snooker table, sandwich maker and CD player for the youth club.

By yesterday afternoon more than 30 bouquets of flowers had been left in the driveway of his family home, several from school friends.

On cards left with the flowers, many of Chris's friends referred to his love of drama, which he studied at school.

One said: "You've been through so much, I hope you can now rest with your dad. Such a tragic loss of such a kind, friendly person."

Another tribute said: "Chris, you will never be forgotten."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said: "We can confirm that Chris Waldron, 17, from Almondsbury, died under tragic circumstances on Thursday night. His death is not believed to be suspicious. However in all cases of child death police investigate the circumstances and we are working with our partners and the coroner to establish how he died."

To leave a Lasting Tribute to Chris click here.