Tributes have poured in for a well-loved runner who died after falling down the stairs at his home.

Howard Ashworth, of Thwaites Road in Oswaldtwistle, accidentally fell in the early hours on Monday, August 27, and was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The 49-year-old damaged his lungs and suffered a cardiac arrest which caused a lack of oxygen to his brain.

Despite being placed into an induced coma, he never regained consciousness and sadly died on Saturday, September 1, surrounded by his family.

Mr Ashworth’s niece, Michelle McDonald, said: “I would like to thank the NHS staff who responded to my grandma Peggy’s call for assistance and cared for him in his final days at Blackburn Hospital, as without this we would not have had the opportunity to spend that precious time with him or to see him pass away with dignity.

“My uncle Howard’s many friends have comforted us with their happy memories of running, rambling and enjoying real ale with him and it helps that we know, despite being cut short, he enjoyed his life.”

Mr Ashworth was a member of various walking and running groups across East Lancashire, and friends from some of the groups he was involved with have issued words of kindness for the popular runner.

Baxenden Bugs run leader, Caroline Robinson, said: “Howard was such a lovely, sweet, and passionate runner.

“It is such a sad loss to the running, walking and wider community, but he will never be forgotten.”

Suzanne Perkins, of Team MGPT Run Group said: “Howard was the kindest man I ever met; he took me on one of my first runs and helped me to build my distance and improve timing.

“He did this in his own time and never wanted anything in return.

“We have dedicated our half marathon to him as he was signed up to do it.”

Allan Kirby who met Mr Ashworth on a rambling trip five years ago, said: “Howard loved trying real ale and some of his favourite pubs were Grants Bar in Accrington and the Postal Order in Blackburn. If a pub didn’t serve real ale, Howard wouldn’t go in!”

Howard worked at Caligen Foam in Accrington and was also a steward at Blackburn Rovers FC.

His funeral will be held at Accrington Crematorium at 3pm on Friday September 14.