A HOMELESS man who died after being found engulfed by flames in a park was due to be the first person to be offered a place in a new shelter planned for Preston.

Paul Harte, 46, had agreed to the offer of help from world renowned homeless campaigner, Terry Waite, who visited the city two months ago as part of a drive to reduce the number of people sleeping rough.

Mr Waite, president of homeless charity Emmaus, said his death should not be in vain, but must serve as a reminder of the city's need for an Emmaus shelter.

The charity is aiming to build a centre which will provide a home and a job for 25-30 rough sleepers.

The former Beirut hostage said: "Paul was one of the forgotten people who die each year on the streets of Britain and despite his rough appearance was a decent man.

"Yes, he had his own problems with alcohol but who could he turn to for help?

"I only met him once but he impressed me and I'm certain we could have helped him if we had had an Emmaus community up and running in Preston.

"I mourn Paul's passing but he may not have died in vain and there is just a chance that his death may well stimulate men and women to make sure there is an Emmaus community without delay.

"May he rest in peace and may his death help prevent others from dying in similar circumstances."

Mr Harte, who has family living in Leyland that he had not seen for 30 years, died on April 8 after he was found in Avenham Park engulfed in flames in a building known locally as the Colonnade.

A police investigation into his death is ongoing and they do not know whether anyone else was involved.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Mr Harte had been living rough on and off for the last 29 years after losing his job working on a trawler at Fleetwood. He had been on Preston's streets for five to six years.

He had only seen his two children, aged 20 and 21, once in 17 years.

Mr Harte could often be seen sitting on a bench outside the town hall chatting to well-wishers who gave him money and food to survive.

Danny Gallagher, project manager for Emmaus Lancashire, said: "This is most definitely the worst consequence of homelessness I've ever seen.

"He died tragically and we don't want anything like this to happen again.

"Two other rough sleepers have died from hypothermia over the winter and this problem needs nipping in the bud.

"People can be very cynical, but all homeless people need is compassion.

"They're troubled souls but underneath they're still human and part of our community.

"We musn't forget that."