A MOTHER has paid tribute to her son who went missing while diving off the North-east coast of England.

Astley born Nick Jackson failed to surface after diving 50 metres down to Danny's Wreck, east of Amble in Northumberland nearly two weeks ago.

Two RNLI lifeboats, three helicopters and a warship were involved in the initial search for the 25-year-old and other specialist divers have been involved in the North Sea hunt but so far Nick has not been found.

Former St Mary's Catholic High School student Nick was single and had lived in Newcastle for the last seven years after studying to become a dentist at Newcastle University.

Nick's family has been left devastated by the tragedy and now plan an emotional memorial service on the first weekend of July in Newcastle, where up to 100 people are expected to attend.

Nick's mum Pat Jackson, who lives in Pennington, Leigh, said: "Nick was happy, confident and good at everything he did. He was bright and talented. You just can't plan for anything like this to happen. His younger brother Matthew and the whole family are terribly upset."

Nick was an excellent swimmer who competed at national level with Wigan Wasps and Atherton Swimming Club. He learned to dive while studying at Newcastle University and was an experienced recreational diver.

He graduated as a dentist with distinction last summer and had also achieved a first class honours bachelor of medical science degree.

Mrs Jackson says Nick's friends from the Leigh area would be most welcome at the the memorial service. Northumbria Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.