MUM Kim Comer today paid tribute to her mentally and physically disabled son, who died aged 24 in a Dorchester care home.

Ricky Riddell was born with severe cerebral palsy but, with the help of staff at Leonard Cheshire Homes on Romulus Close, lived life to the full.

Despite needing help for the simplest things, he attended school, went shopping, enjoyed karting, going to the cinema and went boating in Weymouth charity craft MV Freedom.

He died on January 3 after a long period battling illness.

Financial administrator Kim, 45, of Weston-super-Mare, said: "It was a shock because Ricky had been ill for some time and in the end it happened quite quickly.

"In the past when he's been ill he's always fought and been a really strong character. I was happy that he decided himself it was time to give up the fight. He said enough was enough."

Ricky was moved to Dorchester aged three after Kim, who was 21 when he was born, found she was unable to provide the round-the-clock care required.

She paid tribute to Leonard Cheshire Homes staff, saying: "You just cannot fault them. He had everything. The people are so kind and they really care.

"It was difficult for me but I was happy in the knowledge that he was in the best care.

"He had a good life. He used to laugh when he was happy, so everyone knew he was enjoying life, even though he couldn't speak."

The former pupil of Mountjoy School in Bridport, enjoyed trips to restaurants and pubs with carers and Kim said: "They seemed to do an awful lot of going out. The people of Dorchester have been very kind and welcoming."

Ricky's brother Christy, 27, and step-father Alan also paid tribute to his life. Ricky's father Martin died in 2000.

Service manager of Leonard Cheshire Dorchester Homes John Smith said: "Ricky lived a happy life. He loved going out - to the cinema or kart riding - and he liked music. For his 21st birthday he went to Disney World.

"The staff have been fantastic over the years, enabling him to take part in all these activities."

There will be a thanksgiving service at Weymouth crematorium on Monday at 11.30am. Donations to Leonard Cheshire Dorchester Homes or flowers can be sent care of Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester DT1 1TP.