Bradley Tams death: Family tribute to 'funniest kid'

Bradley was the oldest of seven brothers and sisters

The family of a 23-year-old man who was stabbed to death say he had an "infectious laugh and a beautiful smile”.

Bradley Tams died at Cartmel Green, in the Slatyford area of Newcastle, after being knifed shortly before midnight on 6 December.

Mr Tams was a father of twins and a stepfather to his partner's child.

A 24-year-old man and 49-year-old woman have been charged with murder and are due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court in January.

Mr Tams, the oldest of seven brothers and sisters, was said to have become "the man of the house" following the loss of his father.

His eldest sister, Lauren, said: “He became a father figure to us.

"He was an absolute character to say the least. He was the funniest person you could come across.

“I don’t think we can process it, it still hasn’t sunk in. Even now, we’re waiting for him to turn up or to give us a call."

Bradley's mother said he adored his twin boys

'All devastated'

Bradley’s mother, Julie Weatherson, said he had been her "absolute world".

“Bradley would be the one who woke everybody up at Christmas, he would be up at six o’clock in the morning.

“People ask 'are you alright' and 'how are you feeling?' No, I’m not.

"I’m trying to put a brave face on, we are all devastated.”

Mr Tams' family said he enjoyed fishing having previously taken up hobbies such as kickboxing and football.

The man and woman charged with murder are set to appear in court on 8 January ahead of a trial in June.