THE inquest on a Ribble Valley driver killed in a road accident earlier this week, was due to open today.

Former policeman Frank Simpson, 65, of Carr Croft, Rimington, died when his VW Golf estate was in collision with a lorry at the Pendle Road junction of the A59.

Mr Simpson was well known as a sheepdog trainer, a hobby in which he had become expert over the last 30 years. He will be sorely missed also by his colleagues in the Nelson Arion Choir where he had sung for over 25 years as both a baritone and bass.

Mr Simpson served in the police force in Burnley in the 1960s before retiring to buy and run Rimington Caravan Park with his wife, Freda. The couple sold that business in the late 1980s but Mr Simpson continued with his interests in both the choir and sheepdog training.

He was an active member of his local community, serving in the past on the local parish council and the management committee of Rimington Institute.

Mr Simpson also leaves two daughters, Janet and Gillian, and four grandchildren.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident on Wednesday morning around 9.30am. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at Colne on 01282 863161.

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