THE FAMILIES of two Rossendale men killed in an industrial accident have paid tribute to them.

Thomas Elmer, 27, and James Bibby, 25, both from Waterfoot, were killed at the Sonae chipboard factory in Kirkby on Tuesday.

The family of Mr Bibby said: “James was a devoted loving and caring son, brother, grandson and nephew.

“We were all extremely proud of him, he was not only a son but a friend.

“James lived life to the full and enjoyed socialising with his brother Jason and friends. He played football and pool for his local pub the Jolly Sailor, as well as enjoying music and film.

“He was full of fun and very happy. He had a big heart and would help anyone out.

“As a family we have taken some comfort from the lovely response within the community, who have paid their respects through the numerous cards and kind wishes.

"We would like to thank the community for their love and support.”

Mr Bibby attended Waterfoot County Primary School and Fearns Community Sports College before qualifying in painting and decorating at Accrington College.

The family of Mr Elmer, who attended Bacup and Rossendale Grammar, said: “Tom was a larger than life character who was always the life and soul of the party.

“Even though he was 27 he still loved to go to play sports and enjoyed sledging in the snow.

“Tom was active in the community and helped to raise money for local projects.

“He was a keen fisherman, enjoyed walking his dogs, riding his motorbike and played rugby union for Rossendale.

“In 2001 he competed in the Times Clipper round the world race, sailing from Rio in South America to New York and back to Portsmouth.

“We are extremely proud of Tom and all of his achievements.

"We wish to thank everybody, both friends and the community as a whole, for all their love and support.

“He will be dearly missed.”

Barry Brown, managing director of the UK arm of Metso, a Finnish Corporation that services paper mills and other static equipment, said: “The whole company is in complete shock.

“We are all really struggling to get our heads around the devastating news.

"We have brought in counsellors to speak to any staff who need extra help in coming to terms with this horrible accident.”

Mr Brown added: “Both Thomas and James were really good lads.

"Thomas had been with us for five years and was really experienced.

"He really was becoming the future of the company. James had only been with us a very short time.”

Detective Inspector Tom Keaton said: “Even without formal identification we are now confident that the deceased are Mr Elmer and Mr Bibby, as they were working in that part of the site at the time of the incident and remain the only workers unaccounted for.

“Unfortunately in this case identification will take time due to the inaccessibility of the bodies, and specialist police and fire officers are working around the clock in order to recover them.

“Our investigation is continuing, alongside our colleagues in the Health & Safety Executive and our Family Liaison Officers continue to work closely with the families in what is obviously a very difficult time for them.”