THREE boys who survived a car crash that killed their stepfather and brother had earlier lost their natural father to cancer.

Council joiner Keith Livesey, of Dundee Drive, Audley, Blackburn, and his son Niall, four, died when the petrol tank exploded in the Ford Sierra after it collided with two cars at Goonhilly Downs on the Lizard Peninsula.

Keith's common-law wife Julie Ainsworth, 34, and his three stepsons Gareth, 18, Charles, 12, and James, 11, were dragged to safety by passers-by.

The accident, which happened during a family holiday in Cornwall, is the second tragedy to hit the family.

The surviving sons, who are all in Deriford Hospital, Plymouth, were still trying to come to terms with the loss of their dad, John Ainsworth, of Blackburn.

The sons were "devastated" after their father died of cancer.

Gareth, a student at Blackburn College, is on a life support machine in intensive care, suffering from severe burns to his body. His condition is "critical." Charles, a pupil of Witton Park High School, Blackburn, who suffered burns to his arms and legs, has been transferred from intensive care to a paediatric ward. His condition is "comfortable."

James, a pupil of St Thomas's Primary School, Blackburn, James, suffered cuts and bruises. He is in a paediatric ward and his condition is "improving."

Julie, who was discharged from hospital yesterday, said: "The family is devastated. I want to thank the people who rescued my family but thanks isn't enough."

Gareth's ex-girlfriend Gemma Holcroft, 16, of Old Barn Place, Bromley Cross, Bolton, revealed how she would have been in the car at the time of the accident if her trip had not been cancelled at the last minute.

Gemma said: "I was supposed to go on the holiday but my mum was worried that the car would be overloaded.

"But Gareth and me split up before the trip anyway."

Senior managers from Blackburn with Darwen Council are to travel to Plymouth to offer their comfort to the family.

A council spokesperson said: "Keith was very popular and highly respected by his work colleagues."

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