COUNCIL leader Peter Britcliffe has expressed his heartfelt thanks to the people of Hyndburn for their messages of support following the death of his ex-partner Gabrielle Kroger.

He said he was "deeply touched" and "overwhelmed" by people's sympathy after Miss Kroger, his partner for 10 years, died at her home in Lime Avenue, Oswaldtwistle.

He said he had been told she had died of natural causes.

A pan which she had on the stove subsequently set alight, causing smoke damage to the house and leading to the Fire Brigade being called out.

Councillor Britcliffe, Tory leader of Hyndburn Council, added: "The police came round at 12.40am on Wednesday to say this dreadful thing had happened. It is a very distressing time, particularly for our daughter Sara. But I have been overwhelmed by the support from everyone. We are just trying to get on with things and cope as best we can."

Firefighters were called to the house at around 8.30pm on Tuesday after neighbours smelled smoke and heard a dog barking.

Two neighbours smashed open the back door and pulled Miss Kroger, 50, outside. Firefighters and paramedics battled in vain to revive her but she never regained consciousness.

David Bent, station commander at Hyndburn Community Fire Station, said that although the fire did not contribute to Miss Kroger's death, the incident still highlighted the need to have smoke alarms fitted in homes.

Councillor Britcliffe, whose daughter Sara, nine, attends Moor End Primary School in Oswaldtwistle, said Miss Kroger's sister, Suzy, was jetting in from Germany to help.

He added: "Obviously I have got to sort a few things out but the funeral will be at Holy Trinity Church followed by burial at Immanuel churchyard."

Ken Bury, director of Hyndburn Homes, said: "It is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the family and the leader of the council. The council policy is that smoke alarms are only fitted in sheltered accommodation.

"We are having talks with the fire service and investigating whether we could expand the fitting of fire alarms to other council properties."