TRIBUTES have been paid to a selfless Blackburn charity worker who has died aged 43.

Roger Carter, manager of Blackburn and Darwen Shopmobility, passed away in hospital on Sunday after long-term health problems.

Mr Carter leaves two sons, Christopher and Ian, 22 and 20.

Described as a “gentle giant”Mr Carter, who lived in Darwen had been associated with the charity, which has a shop in Blackburn Market, for 10 years.

Colleague Terry Turnbull said: “Roger cared very much for the infirm and disabled people of Blackburn with Darwen.

“He followed his late father Graham Carter in volunteering and improving the lives of many.

“He was very sweet, very caring, very helpful to anyone. He was a loving father and a loving son and we are very distraught. He was much too young to die.”

Terry said Mr Carter's death came 'completely out of the blue'.

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Mr Carter took control of the Blackburn shop in 2012, after starting there as a volunteer.

Terry said: “Roger was popular within the disabled community and his loss will affect many, including his mother, Ruth Bell, and his children, whom he adored.

“Family life was very important to Roger. He will be missed by his customers, his co-workers and his many friends within Blackburn Market.”

Blackburn and Darwen Shopmobility provides mobility wheelchairs and scooters.

Earlier this year Mr Carter appealed for people to come forward to help to stave off a risk of closure after some volunteers departed.

On a busy day staff at the shop can have around 20 people coming through its doors for advice and support over accessibility issues.

The service has been helping people in Blackburn for 12 years and is open six days a week.