THE family of a forklift driver who died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 28 have spoken of their shock.

Father of one, Andrew Brydges, of Dryden Street, Padiham had no signs of illness when he collapsed at his new home.

Andrew, who used to run Oddfellows Pub in Clayton-le-Moors, was said to be in good health and had never suffered from any serious illness before the attack.

His father, Arthur Brydges said: "Andrew was so full of life, it's hard to comprehend how someone fit and healthy could just be gone like that."

He collapsed at his new home on Altham Street on Saturday August 11 after a night out with friends.

Paramedics rushed him to Burnley General Hospital.

He was later taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where surgeons operated on him.

He remained unconscious and his family stayed by his side for 11 days.

He was moved back to Burnley General Hospital, where he died on Monday August 27.

His family have said they have been totally devastated by his sudden death and are struggling to come to terms with it.

Mr Brydges said: "Andrew was always out socialising.

"He was very popular and enjoyed spending time with his daughter Meg, his fiance Leanne and his friends.

"He loved sport and played for the Burnley Town Team when he was at school and was a keen Burnley Football Club supporter."

He added: "He went to Wembley with the Clarets as a ball boy at the second division play-off games against Stockport in 1994, which was a really proud moment for us.

"He was so thrilled to have the chance to walk through the tunnel."

"Only a few weeks ago Andrew and Leanne had started renting a house in Altham Street and were ready to start a life together when the attack happened."

Andrew attended Padiham County Primary School and then Ivy Bank High School before taking a travel and tourism course at Burnley College.

He managed the Oddfellows pub in Clayton-le-Moors for two years before moving back to Padiham, where he stepped in as a relief manager at the Flying Dutchman and the Bridge Inn.

He then worked as a fork lift truck driver at Futabo Tenneco.

Andrew leaves his daughter Meg, aged four, who lives with her mother Grace.

He also leaves his mother Gillian and father Arthur and his two brothers Steven, 26, and Matthew, 21.

His funeral will be held at St John's RC Church, Padiham, on Wednesday September 4 at 3pm followed by cremation at Burnley Cemetery at 3.40pm.

The family are asking for donations to be given to the British Heart Foundation instead of flowers to be sent to Alderson and Horan funeral directors.