A WINDSURFER from Clayton-le-Moors has died in a tragic accident.

Derek Forrest, 61, was pronounced dead at Burnley General Hospital after being pulled from Clowbridge Reservoir near Burnley on Saturday.

An inquest into his death was expected to be opened and adjourned at Burnley Coroner's Court yesterday (Thurs).

A police spokeswoman said: "A man from Clayton-le-Moors was taken from Clowbridge Reservoir to Burnley General Hospital, having been rescued from the water. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"He had been windsurfing at the reservoir. His death is not believed to be suspicious."

A spokesman for Rossendale Valley Sailing Club said an awards presentation and social due to take place on Saturday night was cancelled following the tragedy and that sailing was cancelled on Sunday as a mark of respect when Mr Forrest's family visited the club to collect his belongings.

He said the club felt it inappropriate to comment further and would be sending condolences to the family through club members who knew Mr Forrest.

A sudden death report was sent to the Burnley Coroner Richard Taylor. A post-mortem was carried out on Tuesday but did not establish a cause of death.

Mr Forrest's family did not wish to comment.