OIL worker Mr Michael John Ashwell has died at Henley House Residential Home, Whalley Road, Accrington, at the age of 76.

He started his working life in the Royal Navy, serving for over 20 years. He travelled all over the world but spent a lot of time working in Qatar in the Persian Gulf for various oil companies.

He later returned to Accrington to work for Hyndburn Council as a park warden, mainly in the Clayton-le-Moors area for a number of years up to his retirement about 10 years ago.

He owned and raced various motor bikes on the Isle of Man TT race track and had a passion for motor sports, especially Formula 1 racing.

He owned a yacht and a number of fishing boats which he kept in dry dock in Blackburn and spent many holidays sea fishing in Scotland. He sold one of his boats to BBC TV.

A keen gardener, he also enjoyed holidays abroad.

The husband of the late Edith, he leaves children Peter, Sarah and Samantha.

He was buried at Accrington yesterday following a service conducted by Father Roger Parker.

Arrangements: Hyndburn Funeral Services.