THE funeral of tragic car crash victim Carl Fancy is set to take place next Thursday, on what would have been his 34th birthday.

Dad-of-three Carl died on Wednesday in Barnoldswick after crashing the red Ford Escort he had just driven off the forecourt of a garage.

A passenger, Neil Garner, 45, of Edmondson Street, is still in Burnley General Hospital with a fractured arm, and is said to be comfortable, and recovering well.

Today Carl's heartbroken family spoke of their misery at losing their 'well-known character'.

Tony Fancy, 36, Carl's brother, said the details surrounding the accident are still unknown. He said: "He has driven since he was 17. He loved cars. He was taking the car out for a drive, and had only just got in it.

"We don't know what happened, and we'll wait for the police to tell us. As far as we are aware he had just driven it off the forecourt."

Carl was born and bred in Barnoldswick and attended Church and West Craven schools.

He was a well-known face in the town and since the age of 18 worked for local bed firm Silent Night, starting out on the shop floor as a tape-edger, then becoming a training officer on night shifts.

Tony said: "He liked to be working and doing something rather than just watching machines, so he loved it at Silent Night.

"Silent Night had a minute's silence for him, when they stopped all the machines."

The life-long Manchester United supporter had three children, twins Jack and Charlie, seven, and daughter Kylie, 16.

At the time of his death he was living with his brother on Beech Street, and leaves a sister, Michelle, 29.

Carl was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on Church Road, on Wednesday evening. A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the force are preparing a full report for the coroner's officer, which will include an investigation of the crash.

Mum Janet Johnson said: "We are devastated. He was a loving lad, he really was. He was a softy, and would have done anything for anybody.

"In Barnoldswick everybody knows everybody. When something happens, everybody knows about it."

"He was a character, a bit of a Jack-the-lad. He had faults like everybody else but generally he was a good friend to people."

Police in North Yorkshire are still investigating the crash.

A funeral is due to take place next Thursday, but no further details have been set. Donations can be made to Pendleside Hospice and the MacMillan Nurses.

Any witnesses to the crash who may have information can call North Yorkshire Police's witness line on 01423 539474.