KIND tributes have been paid to a former Coldstream Guards veteran who died earlier this month.

Dave Goss, who was originally from Blackburn, and served with the Coldstream Guards from 1971 to 1975, was found dead in his Haslingden home by close friends on January 4.

The 63-year-old died of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), but it is believed he had also been diagnosed with cancer in November.

Friends of Mr Goss, who was a member of Veterans in Communities in Haslingden, visited him regularly following his diagnosis, and upon hearing of his sad death, offered words in tribute.

Operations manager at Veterans in Communities (VIC), Bob Elliott, said: "Dave was a kind and generous man who always had time for people.

"He was a member with us since 2012, and we actually helped him move from his previous home in Church to Haslingden so he could attend the centre more regularly. He didn't speak much about himself but he had many close friends who will miss him dearly."

During his time in the Coldstream Guards, Mr Goss served in Northern Ireland and after leaving his post, he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but friends say this was unrelated to his time in the army.

It is believed Mr Goss once married but didn't have any children.

Mr Elliott continued: "He kept himself to himself but was a very active member at VIC and volunteered a lot of his time to helping in the community. It was like a bombshell when we found out about his passing; he won't ever be forgotten."

Mr Goss's funeral will be held at Accrington Crematorium, Burnley Road, on Friday at 9am. All are welcome and following the cremation a small gathering will take place at the VIC centre on Bury Road Haslingden.