A BARMAN described as ‘one of life’s true gentlemen’ has died in a head-on collision.

Dean Dewhurst was driving a silver Volkswagen Golf near Clitheroe when it collided with a Poundbakery lorry.

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Police said Mr Dewhurst, of Ribchester, had been driving along Whalley Road towards the A59 when the accident happened.

He suffered serious injuries to his upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 1.30am yesterday, officers said.

The 28-year-old had been working as a waiter at the Seafood Pub Company eatery The Derby Arms near Longridge for five months and was also a qualified electrician.

Friends said the ‘fun loving’ football coach and player at Ribchester Rovers Football Club had also spent time living in New Zealand and travelling Australia and Thailand.

Bill Edisforth, manager of The Derby Arms, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the great loss of Dean Dewhurst.

“He always had a smile on his face, he always made all of the staff and customers smile back too.

“He was a big team member and was always willing to help out.

“We would like to pass on our deepest sympathy and thoughts to Dean’s family and friends.

“We are privileged to have known and worked with you.

“Much love Dean. Sleep tight.”

A spokesman for Ribchester Rovers said: “Everyone is devastated by the loss of Dean.

“Words cannot describe his loss.

“Dean has played and coached junior and senior football at the club for many years and he always had a smile on his face.

“The football club was close to the heart of Dean and his family.

“Everyone involved in the community of Ribchester wishes to express their deepest sadness for the loss of Dean, who had friends worldwide.”

Hundred of people also took to social media site Facebook to pay tribute to Mr Dewhurst.

Siân-leigh Mcdonald said: “Dean Dewhurst you will be forever missed. You were an incredible guy who always had the biggest smile.

“You have been taken way too soon. Rest in peace babe.”

Donna Nicola, who met Mr Dewhurst while travelling in Australia, said: “Dean was the most genuine person I’ve ever met.

“He was one of life’s true gentlemen.

“Everyone liked Dean, there was just a vibe about him that made you happy to be in his company.

“There will be a lot of people all over the world, who he met on his travels, feeling the loss today.

“It was an honour to have met such a kind spirit.”

Genny Skinner said: “RIP Dean Dewhurst. Terrible news, and a scary reminder of how precious life is.

“Always smiling and a heart of gold.

“It’s cruel that your adventures have been cut far too short.”

Whalley Road was closed for several hours during yesterday morning’s rush hour causing backlogs in and out of Clitheroe.

Cllr Ian Sayers, who represents Ribchester on Ribble Valley Council, said: “It’s a very, very sad situation.

“The A59 and the roads that lead off it have had their problems but the blackspot is normally further north at the Pendle Road junction.”

A Poundbakery spokesman said: “We are very saddened to hear this news and offer our condolences to the victim’s family.

“We are working closely with the police to aid them with their investigation.”

The driver of the lorry suffered minor injuries. No one has been arrested, police said.

Sgt David Hurst said: “A man has sadly died as a result of this collision and an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has any information that could assist with our investigation to contact us.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.