THE family of a man mysteriously struck down overnight by pneumonia have paid tribute to doctors for "saving his life".

Paul Riley, 32, of Ellenshaw Close, Darwen, fell ill four weeks ago with severe pneumonia in both lungs and was treated in the critical care unit of Burnley General Hospital.

The night before he was taken ill Paul was happily carrying out some DIY putting up some shelves.

Today he is at home recovering with his family and fiancee Carol Riley, 31, of Primrose Street, Darwen, after being discharged on Saturday.

Carol said: "On the Friday night he was fine and by the Saturday morning I was slapping him trying to bring him round and calling 999. The doctors were baffled by the sudden onset because he did not even have so much as a cold or a sniffle. It is just wonderful to have him back safe."

The family celebrated with a trip to Scotland yesterday to visit Paul's 80-year-old grandmother.

His mother Ellen Riley, 55, of Hilton Road said: "He was at death's door and was on a life support machine for more than two weeks. It was the worst thing imaginable."

"The hospital staff have been so good and we are so grateful. It is just wonderful to have him home where he should be. One family to whom we became very close were not so lucky and we thank them for their support."

Paul was taken to Burnley General Hospital because none of the four beds at the critical care unit in Blackburn were available.

A spokesman for the critical care unit at Burnley General Hospital said cases such as this were rare but the onset of pneumonia could be rapid depending on the type of organism involved. Most cases, took a few days to develop.

Angela Brown of Burnley Healthcare NHS Trust said: "Staff at the critical care unit are delighted Mr Riley is well again and pleased to have offered him the care and support he needed."