WORKERS at a Barrowford factory are mourning the death of their boss.

Staff at AC/DC Lighting battled together to help save Bill Birch when he collapsed at the factory off Pasture Lane on December 14.

But yesterday he died in hospital.

Mr Birch, 55, was a director and sales driving force behind the specialist lighting company and scooped many major prestigious contracts for the firm.

These included lighting for the Tate Gallery, the new British Library and for the Queen's room at Royal Ascot.

Fellow director and half cousin Mr Walter Whittaker, who set up the company 14 years ago, said Mr Birch had many friends and important contacts throughout the country and he loved his work.

He said the firm had been inundated with messages of sympathy.

Father of two Mr Birch collapsed with a suspected heart attack in his office.

Quick action by first aider Jean Barnes, who gave him the kiss of life and heart massage, started his breathing again.

Mr Whittaker and other staff also helped and workers stood in nearby streets to guide paramedics to the scene.

Mr Birch, who lived in Burnley all his life, was rushed to Burnley General Hospital where he died yesterday morning.

Mr Whittaker added his partner was a dear, respected friend who would be greatly missed.

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