Amy Winehouse's father insists she was the "happiest she'd been in years" before her death.

Mitch Winehouse paid tribute to his daughter - who was found dead at home on Saturday (23.07.11) aged 27 - insisting she had overcome her drug dependency and was determined to give up alcohol for the sake of her family and boyfriend Reg Traviss.

In a statement released following Amy's funeral today (26.07.11), he said: "Amy was the greatest daughter, family member and friend you could ever have.

"I will talk a lot about her fantastic recovery. Recently Amy found love with Reg. He helped her with her problems and Amy was looking forward to their future together. She was the happiest she has been for years.

Three years ago, Amy conquered her drug dependency, the doctors said it was impossible but she really did it. She was trying hard to deal with her drinking and had just completed three weeks of abstinence

"She said, 'Dad I've had enough, I can't stand the look on your and the family's faces anymore.' "

Mitch also revealed he and Amy's friends and family have taken comfort from the fact she was "happy" when she passed away, insisting she had been in good spirits the last time anyone saw her.

He added: "She was not depressed. She saw [her mother] Janis and Reg on Friday and was in good spirits.

"That night, she was in her room, playing drums and singing. As it was late, her security guard said to keep it quiet and she did.

"He heard her walking around for a while and when he went to check on her in the morning he thought she was asleep. He went back a few hours later, that was when he realised she was not breathing and called for help.

"But knowing she wasn't depressed, knowing she passed away, knowing she passed away happy, it makes us all feel better."

The 60-year-old former taxi driver also spoke of his plans to set up a charity in his daughter's name to help others struggling with addiction and causes close to her heart.

Recalling hearing the news of Amy's death en route to New York to perform a series of concerts, he said: :"I was with my cousin Michael when I heard and straight away I said I wanted an Amy Winehouse Foundation, something to help the things she loved - children, horses, but also to help those struggling with substance abuse.

"In this country, if you cannot afford a private rehabilitation Clinic, there is a two year waiting list for help. With the help of Keith Vaz MP, we are trying to change that."