A RADIO presenter and comedian has told of the heartbreaking moment he held a dying young man in his arms after a horror smash.

Ted Robbins, who appeared in Phoenix Nights alongside Peter Kay as well as working for BBC Radio Lancashire, was driving to work, when he witnessed the two-vehicle accident on the dangerous Grane Road, Haslingden.

A man in his 20s died following the crash and Mr Robbins has described the 'terrible' moments leading up to his death and how he tried to help him.

Mr Robbins, of Crawshawbooth, said: "I was driving on Grane Road from the Rawtenstall/Haslingden end to work a couple of years ago on a bright, summer's day, when I saw a terrible scene.

"It was just as I was coming over the hill in the road near the Grey Mare pub when I saw an old-fashioned Mini had flipped over upside down after a Mercedes had hit the car following a crash.

"I braked and got out of the car and I noticed a young man trapped in the car.

"He was with three others who were okay but I could see that the man in his 20s was dying, as his eyes had changed colour and he was barely breathing.

"I comforted him and tried to help him but then he passed away in my arms.

"It was terrible and it's a moment that has lived with me ever since."

It comes as new average speed cameras have been enforced on the notorious stretch connecting Haslingden to Blackburn.

In the last seven years, two families have lost loved ones in fatal accidents, while a further 13 people have been seriously injured and 105 people have received minor injuries in the same time period.

Mr Robbins, who himself suffered a heart attack live on stage while performing in Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights, welcomed the introduction of the cameras.

He said: "Cars are such dangerous things and any action to reduce speed and improve safety has to be welcomed."