Tributes have been paid to a former Hyndburn firefighter who passed away in Spain.

Nigel Lloyd, formerly of Accrington, served as an apprentice engineer and was part of the works fireman team at Platt Saco Lowell. He then trained as a full time fireman and served at Rawtenstall and Accrington before he was forced to retire due to injuries after more than 18 years of service.

Neil Carter, firefighter at Hyndburn, said: “I knew him for a few years when I first started out and he was always helpful and a nice bloke. He was a good firefighter, intelligent and a good role model for new starters. He looked after us.”

Shaun Naughton, watch manager at Rawtenstall who served with him in Hyndburn, paid tribute to Nigel.

He said: “He was a damned good firefighter and I worked with him for about five years. He was a really nice guy.

“I would have him on my team as he was one of those kind of guys.”

Nigel had many hobbies, from cooking to taking his children crabbing in Fleetwood, scuba diving, and socialising with his friends. He was a great handyman and perfectionist.

He was beloved husband to Sue, much loved son of Margaret and late father Gerard Lloyd and stepfather Bob, brother to Julie Lloyd-Mullan, father to Sarah, Rebecca and Emma, grandfather to Taylor, uncle to Christopher and leaves an aunt, niece, nephews and cousins.

He passed away on Sunday, February 8 aged 57 in a hospital in Spain where he lived with his wife Sue.

His funeral service will be held at Accrington Crematorium at 11.40am on Thursday, February 26 conducted by the Rev Christine Leach. No flowers, donations to the Fire Service Benevolent Fund c/o Julie Mullen on 01254 381264.