A DAUGHTER has paid tribute to her father who died after contracting coronavirus, saying she was "blessed" to have him as her dad.

Charlotte Compton's father, James Jones, passed away at Royal Blackburn Hospital last month aged 91, and is one of around 120 lives lost in East Lancashire so far due to coronavirus.

Mrs Compton, a 52-year-old teacher from Lancaster, said her dad lived a “long and happy life” before losing his battle with the virus.

In a moving tribute sent to the Lancashire Telegraph, she celebrated his life and how he instilled in her a desire to be “kind, honest, humble and caring”.

“My dad was brought up in Withnell where his mum, Winifred, continued to work in the cotton mill after his dad, Frederick, died suddenly when he was 10-years-old,” she wrote.

“He left school at the age of 14 and served his time as a joiner, working for a number of local employers throughout his life; Nightingale Signs, Boothman’s, Henry Boot Construction, Sheerglaze and Ultraframe to name a few.

“In 1962, he married his one true love, Eileen Neary from Brinscall, and they moved to Feniscowles, Blackburn where he continued to play cricket and support his beloved Blackburn Rovers.

“He has always been there for everyone; family, neighbours, colleagues, teammates and his many friends.”

Mrs Compton said she had been “overwhelmed” by tributes paid by friends.

“My tears are not sadness but for the joy he brought to so many,” one said.

Another wrote: “It was a true pleasure and honour to have met such a gentleman.”

Mr Jones had been looking after himself independently since his wife died in 2003, before moving into a care home last summer.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal but love leaves a memory no one can steal,” Mrs Compton said.

“Good night, God bless Dad; you are now eternally reunited with my beautiful mum where you belong.”