THE family of a teenager who died after an incident at a nightclub today spoke out after it re-opened as an under 18s disco.

Sean Mills said he was worried the events that led to his step-son Gavin Tattersall's death may happen again.

The teenager, of Cambridge Drive, Padiham, died in May last year, days before his 19th birthday, after the incident at Churchills nightclub, Cannon Street, Accrington.

Last month Christopher Britcliffe, 21, of John Street, Clayton-le-Moors, was jailed for 30 months after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

His father Ian, 42, of the same address, a door supervisor at Churchills when the incident happened, admitted causing actual bodily harm and was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order.

The club closed due to falling business after the attack but is now operating discos for under 18s.

Mr Mills said: "It beggars belief that it can happen, but it could happen again, that's my concern, whether there's alcohol or not.

"You go into a club to enjoy yourself, be treated fairly and be safe on the premises. My main concern is for other parents, other families, that it could happen to someone else's kid."

His wife, Yvonne, said: "I'm really petrified of the time when my daughter wants to go out to pubs and clubs. I don't want to wrap her up in cotton wool, but what can I do?"

Police are monitoring the club since it re-opened and Angela Calvert, the manageress, has pledged to prevent trouble and ensure children are searched for alcohol and drugs. Ms Calvert said: "We're giving them somewhere to go and are happy for parents to come and have a look around."

Gavin's parents have spoken about their ten-month ordeal that began with a night out to celebrate a friend's 18th birthday.

"He went out and I still see him looking in the mirror asking 'do I look all right mum?' 'Is this shirt all right?' 'I'll see you in the morning'," said Mrs Mills. "The next time I saw him he was lying in hospital hooked up to a life support machine. The thought of him lying on a club floor losing his life there sickens me."

Twelve days after the former Gawthorpe High School pupil died his friends organised and paid for a party to mark his 19th birthday. More than 400 people attended the funeral and one of Gavin's friends rode a trial bike in front of the hearse.

"I thought the funeral would be the worst part, but it seemed to fly by because we were numb. The hardest part is living your life without him," said Mr Mills.

The tragedy has had a profound effect on Gavin's sisters, 13-year-old Toyah and Kelly, 23.

"From being a confident, happy girl Toyah has become a frightened mouse with no confidence, scared to go out on her own," said Mr Mills.

"Kelly's finding it difficult to cope -- we all are. We expect him to walk through the door. You think that it's Gavin, then it hits you that you are never going to to see him again."

After the funeral donations flooded in and the couple have installed a bench near Gavin's grave and are considering how to spend the remainder of the money. A keen sportsman, Gavin won trophies for football, playing for Hapton FC and Great Harwood FC, snooker, trial biking and kick boxing. Mr Mills said Gavin had started his own window cleaning round, adding: "He was on his way to success. I truly believed in my heart he would be a millionaire one day. No matter what he turned his hand to he made money. Although he lived a short life he lived every second."