THE family of a bus driver killed in a crash have told of their grief at his sudden death.

Russell Horne, 64, of Revidge Road, Blackburn, sustained multiple injuries when the bus and an articulated lorry collided on the A56 near Edenfield on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Horne was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital where he later died.

At Mr Horne's home yesterday a spokesman for the family said: "He was a very private man and we would be grateful if we could be left to deal with our grief in private."

Mr Horne was at the wheel of a Lancashire United X40 service from Manchester to Great Harwood when the incident occurred, resulting long tailbacks on the M66.

Four passengers were on board the bus, three of whom were taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with minor injuries.

Bosses at Lancashire United, are based on Manner Sutton Street in the Eanam area of Blackburn, confirmed they would be looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A spokesman for the company said: "We are co-operating fully with the police investigation, to identify the events which led to this accident.

"Our own internal investigation will run in parallel with this.

"At this difficult time the thoughts of everyone at the company are with the family of a man who was our colleague and friend." Former colleagues of Mr Horne from Blackburn Transport, based at Intack, Blackburn, spoke of a "private" co-worker who had left the company approximately three years ago to spend more time with his mother who he lived with at the time.

Blackburn Transport's branch secretary for the Transport and General Workers Union, Jim Casey, said: "From our point of view this is absolutely devastating.

"He was always very private and obviously all our sympathies are with the family at this time."

A police spokesman said they were awaiting more information from the road safety department who were finalising details surround-ing the crash.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident, but not yet come forward, to speak to them.

They would also like to hear from a bus passenger who jumped off the vehicle and left the scene of the collision.

Police stress they simply need to speak to him to make sure he was not injured.

Anyone with any information should contact the Road Policing Unit on 01282 472431.