THE family of a former Blackburn firefighter who died in a car accident have spoken of their sadness at his sudden death.

Police officers said Terrence Revill, known as Terry, died when his car crashed on the A59 near Clitheroe on Sunday.

Today it was revealed that Mr Revill, 64, had worked as a firefighter based in Blackburn fire station from 1961 to 1976, when he retired due to ill health.

Most recently he worked as an insurance agent before retiring.

He leaves a widow, Evelyn, daughter Lynne and son-in-law Lee.

In a statement Mr Revill's family said: "He was a loving and caring husband and father who was devoted to his family. He was kind, thoughtful, considerate and generally a well respected man who would do anything for anyone.

"This is such a great and devastating loss to his family and his absence will be greatly felt by all of us."

An inquest has now been opened into Mr Revill's death, and the hearing was told how his car was found in flames between Chatburn and Clitheroe shortly before 6am.

The car had come to rest against a road barrier, and was on fire when the emergency services arrived. After the blaze had been put out, a body was recovered from the driver's seat, and samples have now been taken to confirm it is the body of Mr Revill, who lived at Hornby Court sheltered accommodation, Lancaster Street, Blackburn.

Mr Revill, who had previously lived in Vicarage Drive, Darwen, was a keen gardener and in 1989 won the Darwen Civic Society gardening competition for his own garden. He also enjoyed fishing and caravanning.

The inquest was adjourned until May 9.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We would like to express our deep sadness and sympathy for family and friends. There will undoubtedly be some of his contemporaries in the fire service who will be shocked and sadened by the news."

Mr Revill's funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at Pleasington cemetery.