A WELL-KNOWN hospital worker who became one of the most popular "characters" in Clayton-le-Moors has died after suffering a suspected heart attack and falling from a ladder.

The devastated family of Daniel Mercer, 76, right, of Pickup Street, Clayton-le-Moors, today told of their shock at hearing of the death.

They said he was on the ladder, on the corner of Pickup Street and Moor Street, taking down an advertising sign at a hairdresser's salon when he fell around 20ft on to rough ground at about 2.15pm on Monday.

His daughter Eileen said the family had been told he had suffered a heart attack. She added : "We just can't believe this has happened. We keep waiting for him to come through the door.

"He was just such a lovely person. If you wanted a job doing it would be done and that is why he was doing this.

"He had lived in Clayton for nearly 50 years and everyone knew him." Mr Mercer's wife, Edith, who he had been married to for 53 years, was too upset to talk about her husband's death. A keen supporter of Accrington Stanley, Mr Mercer had worked at Accrington Victoria Hospital for 35 years in the boiler room. Eileen said: "He used to fetch local people bottles of beer when they were in hospital and put bets on for them.

"He was a real character and would lighten up any room."

Mr Mercer was a keen sailor and sea fisherman and regularly sailed to the Isle of Man.

Paramedics took Mr Mercer to Blackburn Royal Infirmary but he was dead on arrival.

A post mortem examination has been carried out and Sgt Steven McGovern, of Great Harwood police said: "It is just a very sad and tragic accident and especially with it being so close to Christmas. He was a local man and very popular."

Sgt McGovern also paid tribute to staff at a nearby dentist's who tried to resuscitate Mr Mercer.

Mr Mercer also leaves four sons, John, David, Robert and Steven.

A funeral service will be held at All Saints' Church, Clayton-le-Moors, next Wednesday.

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