A PENSIONER who died in a traffic accident has been dubbed an "inspiration to hundreds" by his grieving family.

Harry Hindle, 84, from Paythorne, near Gisburn was killed on the A56 near Huncoat on Monday following a crash invoving his Mazda and a Land Rover.

After serving in the Second World War he set up a riding school in the New Forest before going on to school horses at End House Stud, Gisburn.

A respected international show judge, he was also a senior examiner for the British Horse Society.

Leading the tributes, his wife Shirley said: "He was an inspiration to hundreds of Pony Club members for many years and latterly worked as an equestrian expert witness.

"Harry was a lover of all country pursuits and will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends."

Police believe Mr Hindle's car turned into the path of a Land Rover in the outside lane. The incident, around 10.15am, caused major delays as both sides of the dual carriageway were closed for three hours.

It is the latest in a series of fatal collisions on the A56.

A bus driver from Revidge Road, Blackburn died in September last year.

Russell Horne, 64, died at the wheel of his bus when it was in collision with an articulated lorry near to Edenfield.

l Anybody with information should contact road policing unit at Accrington on 01254 353767.