A TRAGIC accident abroad claimed the life of a charismatic businessman, only hours before one of his UK businesses burned down.

Dave Gilson, 57, was fatally injured in a motorbike accident in Italy eight days ago. His family had returned from a holiday in Ireland a few days before.

Pauline, Mr Gilson's wife of 39 years, was too distraught to speak but his sister-in-law, Vivian Fraser, said: "It's unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable."

Mr Gilson, of the Old Rectory, Brindle, celebrated his birthday last month and was riding his Italian MV Augusta motorcycle when the accident happened.

He was in the area making plans to set up a wine and olive production company when the accident happened at around 12.30pm.

He was airlifted to nearby Ancona but died in hospital two hours later.

In a bizarre twist his heartbroken family learnt that one of Mr Gilson's stores in Ulnes Walton had been ravaged by fire less than 24 hours later.

And to add to the tragedy, a second family-run store in Garswood, near Wigan, was robbed at the same time.

His family are still trying to piece together the last moments of his life.

Vivian said: "Dave got to the hotel, checked in and told them he was going out for a couple of hours on his bike."

Mr Gilson was a popular local businessman who ran three service stations, all selling a huge range of specialist wines.

Vivian said: "He had just purchased a villa out there and was renovating it.

"He was planning to produce wine and olives from his own vineyard. He was hoping it would be ready by spring next year.

"We had all been on holiday at his cottage in Ireland. He had a bit of a rest then went off to Italy."

She added: "Dave was very charismatic. You would meet him and never forget him.

"He was always helpful and nothing was too much trouble. He was larger than life. He always tackled everything with enthusiasm."

Mr Gilson owned three shops across Lancashire, in Ulnes Walton, Croston and Garswood. They were run by his three sons, Mark, Michael and Paul.

Mr Gilson's niece Kim said: "He was a character, always up to something! He was well-known and well-liked."

Police do not believe the fire at Mr Gilson's premises was started deliberately.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service investigators say it was the result of a discarded cigarette in a bin.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said they were aware of the accident.