A VICAR loved by pupils, parishioners and friends in East Lancashire, has been killed with his teenage daughter in an horrific driving-lesson accident.

The Reverend Barry Williams, 56, was instructing 17-year-old Stephanie when their Citroen AX collided with a lorry carrying 20 tons of steel on the busy A64 through North Yorkshire.

Firefighters freed their bodies from the wrecked car, which was still bearing L-plates.

Police believe that Stephanie, an upper sixth student preparing for a career in medicine, might have misjudged the speed of the articulated vehicle which swept the car under its wheels.

Mr Williams is known to hundreds of people as one-time deputy headteacher at the former Everton High School, Blackburn, and was a non-stipendiary curate at St Cuthbert's Church, Blackburn, Darwen.

The family used to live in Kentmere Drive, Cherry Tree, Blackburn, and still keep in touch with friends in East Lancashire.

Vicar at St Cuthbert's, the Rev Peter McEcitt, led prayers for Mr Williams, Stephanie and their family after learning of the tragedy.

He said: "A lot of people were very shocked and upset when I broke the news during the service.

"I did not know him myself because I only arrived here in September but it is obvious that he was well-loved by a lot of people.

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