A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to a ‘lovely, kind and very generous’ dad after he died suddenly at his home.

Darwen-born Graham Pressler, was described as ‘full of character’ and ‘a loving father’ by his mother, Shirley.

The 35-year-old former student of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Blackburn, was a devoted dad to 10-year-old daughter Holly.

He also leaves dad Philip, and brother and sister, Dan and Emily.

An inquest has been opened into Mr Pressler’s death, after he was found at his Norfolk Street, Blackburn, home.

It is believed he may have fallen down the stairs.

His mum said she would always treasure memories of ‘her Graham’.

She said: “He was lovely, really kind and very clever.

“He liked DIY and cooking. He just liked to help around the home. He was cheeky as well - full of character, and a loving father to Holly.”

Shirley said Graham enjoyed cooking for the family and his daughter.

She said: “We had spent a lot of time together recently because he moved back to the area from Rochdale.

“He barbecued for us all the Sunday before he died.

“And I think it was nice that on Mothering Sunday we had a walk round Entwistle Reservoir, then went for a meal at the Strawbury Duck.

“At Christmas he cooked a meal for Holly. He enjoyed our family get-togethers.” Graham’s sister Emily said: “He was really caring and a great brother. He was a family man.

“He also really liked his music, particularly dance, house and old school, and films.”

His brother Dan said: “He was a lot more popular than I ever think he realised.”

Mr Pressler, a former pupil at Holy Trinity Primary School, Darwen, went travelling in Spain after leaving school, working as a chef.

When he returned to the UK, he worked for law firms in Darwen, Blackburn and Bury for many years, but had recently been studying bathroom and kitchen fitting at Blackburn College.

The inquest into his death has been adjourned until a full hearing on June 14.

A funeral is expected to be held on Thursday, with a place and time still to be arranged.