A young Special Constable died on his 22nd birthday from sudden death syndrome, a coroner has ruled.

Fit and active Paul Wilkins collapsed in front of friends at Pizza Hut in Bexleyheath on January 11.

An inquest at Croydon Coroner's Court has concluded he died from the condition which often strikes healthy people without any symptoms.

More than 600 mourners, including his police colleagues, attended his funeral on Valentine's Day.

The young council CCTV operator had also been an active member of the Bexleyheath Police Cadets since his teens and his family want to pass on donations from their son's funeral to the group.

They are to present a cheque for £1,400 to Borough Commander Ch Supt Tony Dawson next month.

Paul's mum Pam Oates said: "When he signed up he got more confident and came out of his shell, making so many good friends. We owe so much to the cadets that we want to give them something back."