A DOORMAN has died after his car hit a tree as he returned home from working at a Blackburn club.

Royston Stewart Orr, known as Roy, of Greenbank Park, Longridge, is believed to have lost control of his car during heavy rain and high wind.

Mr Orr, 35, who worked at Blackburn's popular Baroque bar in Northgate, hit a tree off Ribchester Road in the early hours of Saturday.

Poignant tributes mark the spot where the popular doorman lost his life.

Police say the accident happened between 3am and 3.55am.

A driver found the silver Peugeot 406 near to the Barker Brow Car Park near Copster Green.

Fire crews from Blackburn and Longridge were called as Mr Orr was trapped.

Crew manager Damian Hartley of Blackburn Fire and Rescue said: "We used cutting equipment to release one man from the car.

"Unfortunately, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Our sympathy goes to his family at this sad time."

Police have launched an investigation. They will try to establish if bad weather contributed to the collision.

A welder at Castle Cement by day, Roy also worked at various East Lancashire night spots, including the old Heaven and Hell nightclub in Blackburn and The Social and Key Steet Bar in Clitheroe.

Roy, who was a trained painter and decorator, had a passion for cars. He had restored a Porsche, a Capri and an Opel rally car.

He lived with his partner of two years, Hannah Dugdale, but still turned up at his sister Claire Astley's house when his washing needed doing.

Hannah, 21, who met Roy while on a night out in Clitheroe, said: "I remember meeting Roy. He was working and I was upset so he comforted me. I remember how caring he was and we started seeing each other and recently moved in together.

"He loved the house where we had just moved to."

Hannah was one of the last people to speak to Roy before the tragic accident.

She added: "He went to work that night in a really good mood. I texted him to ask how it was going and he said work was good and that was the last I heard from him.

"When we were told what happened it came as a complete shock. We are all devastated. We love him and will never forget him. We all miss him lots but we love him more."

Claire, 31, of Hayhurst Street, Clitheroe, said: "He was the kind of person that would do anything for anyone but he still turned up at my house every so often with washing. He was like a big kid really."

His family and friends say Roy will be remembered for his legendary cheeky grin. He was also an animal lover and adored his two rottweilers, Herman and Sid.

The family are asking for family flowers only and donations to be made to East Lancashire Hospice.

He is to be buried alongside his mum at Waddington Road Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised.

Roy, who went to Brookside Primary School in Clitheroe before attending a high school in Manchester, also leaves his brothers, Craig, Ian, Terry and David, and nieces and nephews.

His employer Tim Pye, owner of Baroque, said: "It's come as such a shock.

"It's just terrible, all the staff here and at the Royal Oak are devastated.

"I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to his family and let them know that we are thinking about them at this sad time."

Police are appealing for witnesses. Call 01254 51212.