A COMMUNITY support officer has told how glad he is that his father had the chance to be reunited with his Polish family before he died.

Nick Gisicz, who works in Darwen tackling anti-social behaviour and juvenile nuisance, accompanied his father Micalie Gisicz to Poland in October 2001 after his brother Steffan traced their long-lost family on the Internet.

Micalie, of Ailsa Road, Blackburn, had been separated from his family for 60 years due to the Second World War. But in 2001 he managed to meet up with his sister and other relatives despite original fears that his chronic heart disorder may prevent him from travelling.

He had just over two years to get to know his relatives before he died in hospital last weekend but his family were grateful he had the opportunity.

Nick said: "It is good to know now that he was given that chance to meet up with his sister and other relatives again even if it was only for a couple of years."

The father-of-four, who was bilingual and known as Michael, died at Queen's Park Hospital as a result of his heart disorder. He was 90.

He leaves behind his partner, Barbara, children Steffan, Gaynya, Nick and Sonia, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his sister Ludmila Stepanovna Saroka in Poland who managed a visit to her brother in Blackburn last March.

Mr Gisicz, left his Polish homeland in 1939 when he was a soldier in his 20s and had not seen his relatives for more than 60 years. They thought he had perished in the war.

The story of their reunion was picked up by a local television crew who filmed the emotional meeting which was later broadcast in Poland.

Mr Gisicz's funeral was due to take place today with the cortege setting off from his home for a 1.30pm service at St Oswald's Church. This was expected to be followed by burial at Pleasington Cemetery.

The family have asked for family flowers only but have suggested donations in memory of Michael should be made to Ward B4 of Queen's Park Hospital c/o Darwen Funeral Service.