An Oxford University student who sold a first edition of Harry Potter to fund his studies has been found dead in his room, it has emerged.

Toby Rundle, 21, from west Somerset, who was studying classics and English in his final year at Lady Margaret Hall, was discovered by a fellow student on Thursday.

He was in a "very positive" mood in the days before his death, loved sport, and wanted a job as a food writer, his father said.

Chris Rundle, farm editor for the Western Daily Press, said he had "no idea" how his son's tragic death occurred.

He had taken the former Millfield school pupil back to Oxford on Sunday with no problems.

Mr Rundle, from Williton, told his newspaper: "I took him out the lunch with his best mate and they said: 'We know we have a tough year ahead, but what the hell, it is only one year'.

"He was looking forward to it and I had an email from him on Tuesday saying everything was ace - we had no inkling that he was unhappy.

"He was absolutely mad about food and was a superb cook and his plan after graduating was to go back to San Francisco and find a job as a food writer.

"He played rugby for his college last year and he just worked and enjoyed life. We may never know what happened."

He had been out for a drink with friends on Wednesday and all were in "good spirits", Mr Rundle added.

In the summer he had helped out in a pub kitchen and worked behind the bar.

In 2007, he hit the headlines when he sold a first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for £7,200 to help finance his university career.

His mother, Debbie Rundle, a public relations officer, had given him the book to help him through his first term at boarding school.

Toby had also written articles for the newspaper from the age of 15 on subjects ranging from mountain boarding to film reviews.

Dr Frances Lannon, the principal of Lady Margaret Hall, said Toby was well-liked by everyone at the college and counselling was being offered to other students.

He leaves a sister, Philippa.