THE family and friends of a 62-year-old furniture maker have paid tribute to him after he was killed following a collision with a car.

Tom Bury spent more than 10 years working for Ipec Furniture Ltd, Lodge Mill, Victoria Street, Accrington.

This week, his colleagues spoke of their shock and grief after he was killed following an incident outside the Black Horse pub, Redearth Road, Darwen.

Chris Hayes, a director at Ipec, said: "Ernie Phillipson, our managing director, knew Tom very well and he had a lot of friends here.

"He had been here for quite a long time and he got on well with everyone. He was a really nice guy and everyone is devastated by what has happened.

"When we told the staff here, I saw grown men crying. He was really worth his salt and I can't speak highly enough about him."

Mr Bury, of Darwen, leaves his wife Maureen, daughters Dianne and Angela and grandchildren Elliot, 12, and four-year-old Louis. He was a keen Manchester United fan and loved going on holidays with his wife.

In a statement, his family said: "We loved him so much and he showed so much love. Tom was a hard-working man who lived life to the full.

"He had so many friends and he was a joy to be around, always making people happy. He made life exciting especially for his loved ones, who loved his motivation for fun.

"He was a very keen fan of Manchester United and loved to watch football. He also loved playing snooker and was keen on many other sports.

"He was a strong-natured loving man who was always there for everyone. There are no words that can express how much he will be missed by family and friends, having been taken away from us so tragically.

"He was looking forward to working less hours next year to spend some quality time with his wife Maureen who will retire in April. They recently celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary."

A police spokesman said: "We can confirm that two men aged 18 and 20 were arrested and released on police bail, pending further investigation.

"We are appealing for anyone who has any information about the incident to contact us.

"This includes anyone who saw a black Vauxhall Corsa or burgundy-coloured Citroen Saxo in the area at the time."