PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Amy Winehouse's mother has said her daughter would have been proud of a charity launched in her name which aims to help vulnerable young people.

The late singer's family have launched their foundation to mark what would have been the Rehab star's 28th birthday.

Amy was found dead at her flat in north London on July 23.

Her mother Janis said: "We want to give money to projects that make a direct difference. It is a source of great comfort to know that Amy would be proud of this and right behind it."

Amy had fought a lengthy public battle with drink and drug problems, but toxicology results showed there were no illegal substances in her system. Her family believe her death may have been related to a seizure caused by periods of drinking and detoxing.

One of the first major sources of income for the Amy Winehouse Foundation will be from the release of her duet with Tony Bennett, Body And Soul, which is released on Wednesday. It will be given its first play on the Ken Bruce show on Radio 2.

Her father Mitch said: "Amy was very generous and we kept coming back to the thought of how much she loved children. It seemed appropriate that the focus of our work should be with young people, those who are vulnerable either through ill health or circumstance.

"Amy touched millions throughout the world and I know she will continue to, through the Foundation."

The foundation aims to support charities and organisations in the UK and abroad which help, support, or care for young people, including those with addictions.

Donations can be made at www.amywinehousefoundation.co.uk.