HUNDREDS of mourners packed a Hyndburn church to pay their respects to a popular young father who died following a house fire at his home.

Around 300 mourners, many of them young people, attended a requiem Mass for Derek Bostock, 24, at St Charles' Catholic Church, Rishton, yesterday.

The church was full and some people had to stand in the side and back aisles during the traditional service. The funeral convoy then drove to Accrington Crematorium for cremation.

Derek, a delivery driver for EW Cartons, Rishton, was found dead in a bedroom at his home in Henry Street in the town. It is believed the fire started in the kitchen after Derek returned from a night out, started cooking and fell asleep.

His mother Cathy, a nursing assistant, discovered the fire damage when she returned from a night shift on Saturday, March 25. Firefighters later told her that Derek's body had been found upstairs. His pet dog Rocky was dead at his side. Former Norden High School pupil Derek was engaged to his girlfriend Mandy Smith, 19, the mother of his 18-month-old son Kyle.

Derek's family have described him as a happy-go-lucky lad who was liked by everyone. An inquest will be held next month.

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