A FATHER who sacrificed the remainder of his life to save his daughter from drowning has been hailed a hero by his heartbroken family.

Kevin Whalley, has died, aged 43, eight years after he saved four-year-old Laura Jean from drowning in the sea off Jersey on June 26, 1994.

Kevin, of Bread Street, Burnley, died on April 26 this year and yesterday Burnley coroner's court heard that his death was a direct result of the injuries he sustained at the time of the incident.

His mother Jean, 72, and father Arthur, 75, later spoke of their "hero" son who had a "heart of gold".

Jean said: "He gave his life to save his daughter's life. It was a brave thing which he did. He held her up so she would not drown.

"He did it because that was just his way, that was just what he did. He would not think of himself, he would think of others. He had a heart of gold."

On the tragic day, Kevin and Laura Jean were enjoying a swim when they were swept into the sea by a strong tide. Kevin held his daughter above the water while he was dragged down.

A local man Tony Morris, who was drinking in a nearby pub, rushed to help Laura Jean out of the sea.

Mr Morris also managed to help Kevin out of the water but he was unconscious and had suffered brain damage caused by lack of oxygen.

Before the accident Kevin, an ex-Burnley Grammar School pupil, had been a fit and strong man.

Arthur said: "He loved sport and was a very good footballer who played for Belvedere FC and Burnley Grammar School."

Kevin shared his time between Burnley and Jersey where he worked as an upholsterer.

After the accident he was brain damaged and was bed-ridden or confined to a wheelchair. He returned to Burnley in 1999 and lived his last three years with his parents.

He underwent rehabilitation but weeks before his death his health dipped.

At the inquest Dr Al-Dawoud, a consultant pathologist, said a post-mortem examination had revealed Kevin had died of bronchial pneumonia which was unquestionably linked to the injuries he suffered in the accident. Mr Taylor, addressing Kevin's sister Anne at the inquest, said: "There was a tragic accident in Jersey in which your niece's life was saved. Sadly at the expense of your brother's health.

"That has deteriorated over the years and his death is undeniably linked to that incident."

Laura Jean made a full recovery and is living with her mother in Jersey.