A DEVASTATED mother today told how life will never be the same after her son was killed by a train just weeks before Christmas.

Vincent Pritchard, 24, of Milton Street, Brierfield, died instantly when he was struck by a Blackpool to Colne train.

He was on a foot crossing near the Waggon and Horses Inn, Brierfield, when the incident happened.

The line was closed for about an hour after the accident at 6.20am on Monday, causing major disruption to East Lancashire commuter services.

British Transport Police have launched an investigation into the collision and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

His mum Pauline told how she and Vincent's father, Clifford, were battling to come to terms with his death.

The family were being comforted by family and friends who have been visiting from Preston since they found out about Vincent's death.

Pauline said: "We are still in total shock. Life will never be the same again without him. We are still finding it hard to take in, we just can't believe it's happened. He was such a gorgeous person. He was very popular with all the girls."

His mum said he was looking for a new job after being a former team leader at Night Freight GB Ltd, in Burnley.

Vincent was the elder brother of Kelly, Clifford, Colin and Paul.

He was brought up in Preston and Burnley before moving to Brierfield. He lived in Burnley with his partner Sharon and her two children Megan, 10, and Thomas, 12.

The funeral is to be held at Rose Hill Baptist Church, Burnley at 1.30pm on Friday.

Richard Taylor, East Lancashire coroner, opened the inquest into Mr Pritchard's death yesterday.