TRIBUTES have been made to a ‘devoted family man’ and magistrate, who died after an accident on the car park of a Pendle school.

Christopher Alan Preston, known to family as Alan, died following a collision on the car park of St Joseph’s RC School, West Close Road in Barnoldswick on Monday November 16.

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Mr Preston, of East Marton, passed away at Royal Preston Hospital later the same day.

He was described as a ‘devoted husband to Jenny, father to Simon, Tim and Jason, and grandfather to Holly, Amelia and Charlotte’.

A family statement said: “As a master mariner, Alan spent over 40 years in the shipping industry.

“In retirement he became a magistrate, and was actively involved as a Rotarian, and as a guide at Skipton Castle.

“Alan also worked wholeheartedly for St Peters church and in village life.”

The 78-year-old man suffered serious head injuries as a result of the collision with a VW Golf, which it is believed was reversing.

Emergency services were called to the school shortly after 4.15pm on November 16, following the accident.

Mr Preston was understood to be a volunteer at the school and had been delivering an educational trailer.

Lancashire Police said that his family were by his side.

Specially-trained family liaison officers have been supporting Mr Preston’s family and staff at the school, a police spokesman said.

His funeral service will be held at St Peters church, East Marton on Friday at 11am.

It has been requested that family flowers only are sent.

Donations may be given at the service for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the RNLI.