A HEARTBROKEN Greenock family today paid tribute to a loving mother and her beloved son who passed away within days of each other.

Dad-of-three Craig Laughlin, from Buchanan Street, tragically died on December 29, at the age of just 31.

Ten days later, his mum Angela Laughlin, 54, of Lothian Road, passed away peacefully in her sleep of natural causes.

Their family say they are distraught at their devastating double loss.

Angela’s husband James said: “Angela was a loving mother and loving nana.

“She loved everyone to bits.

“She always had her grandchildren over, she saw them every week.”

Angela’s sister Janet Wilson, 47, said she had been grief-stricken when she lost her son just after Christmas.

She added: “She was heartbroken.

“But James was there for her.

“He did everything for Angela.

“He has always been there for her.”

Janet says her sister was a special person who was adored by her grandkids.

She said: “The kids absolutely loved Angela.

“She got on with everyone.”

The family, including Angela’s parents Jean and Alex McGougan and Angela’s children Claire Laughlin, 26, and James Laughlin, 36, also paid a moving tribute to Craig.

Janet said: “Craig was a big handsome man with a big soft heart.

“He had three children — he adored his kids and everyone loved him.

“He was a big character and was very intelligent and hard-working.”

The family say they feel utterly broken by what has happened.

Janet said: “We are planning a double funeral so they are both together.

“James has picked the song ‘Together Again’ to be played at the funeral.”

The family say the support they have received from their family and friends has been a source of comfort to them.

Angela’s son James said: “We want to thank everyone.

“The police who came were exceptional.

“We also want to thank the Co-operative Funeralcare and Robert Kane, who has gone beyond the call of duty for us.

“We really just want to thank everyone who has been there for us.”

Janet added: “We are a strong family and we are there for each other.”

Angela is also survived by her seven grandchildren and her sister Alison McGougan and brother Alex McGougan.