THE parents of a teenager who died after suffering an adverse reaction to a curry are urging other families to be wary of allergies affecting their children.

Former Bury College student Phillip Heywood was diagnosed as having a mild nut allergy as a baby.

But after sharing a tikka masala curry with his girlfriend Becky, he complained of feeling ill and suffered an anaphylactic shock.

Phillip (19), of Churchill Drive, Little Lever, was taken to hospital from Becky's home in Heywood, but died two days later, on June 7.

His parents, Ged and Marianne, are now urging others to find out more about food allergies and even to have minor cases tested. Mrs Heywood said: "One of the most worrying things is that Phillip had eaten tikka masala before and had been fine. He would have cereals, Nutella, and chocolate bars, and there had been no problem.

"He suffered from asthma and had had allergy tests when he was younger, and they showed he had allergies to eggs and nuts. Later on the egg allergy disappeared, but he still had a mild nut allergy.

"We would now urge other parents to have their children checked out, no matter how minor the allergies are, and be aware. We have since looked at labels on foods and realised how small the type of the ingredients list is. They should be made bigger, so people can be more aware."

More than 200 cards and tributes have poured in from friends and family, along with an extra special letter from Sir Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United fan loved to play football with his friends on fields near his home and had once been a team mascot for the club.

His sister Andrea said: "Phil was such a nice person. He was always smiling and never had anything bad to say about anyone."

Phillip, a former Little Lever High School pupil and student at Bury College, had received confirmation of a place to study media at college in Chester.

Bury College principal, Dr Helen Gilchrist, said: "We are extremely shocked and saddened by the death of Phillip. He was a very successful student."

The funeral was due to be held today (Friday) at Christ Church, in Little Lever. The family has asked for donations to be made to the Anaphylaxis Campaign through Sillett's Funeral Service in Little Lever. For more information about the condition telephone the Anaphylaxis Campaign on 01252 542029.