THE family of a lorry driver who died after a tragic accident have paid an emotional tribute to "the life and soul of their family".

Father-of-four David Riley, 46, of Hood Street, Accrington, was killed when he tried to stop his HGV rolling after he realised he had not fully engaged the hand brake.

As he tried to jump back into his cab he was crushed between the lorry and a lamppost at the Next Distribution Centre in Doncaster on Monday.

He was freed by firefighters but died in hospital.

His devastated wife, Sandra, said: "I have not been able to sleep since it happened. I just can’t believe it. It really just hasn’t sunk in.

"To me, it just feels as though he is just away working as I have not yet been able to bring him home from Doncaster.

"He really was the life and soul of our family and he was always someone able to put a smile on our faces."

The family have received hundreds of sympathy cards and flowers.

As a lasting tribute to her father, David’s youngest daughter Frances, 19, has had a tattoo reading "Daddy" on her wrist.

David’s first proper job was working in the factory at Red Rose Velvet’s in Accrington, before moving on to Kwik Save in Accrington where he moved his way up to manager after a couple of years.

He also worked as a manager at Jack Fulton’s Frozen Foods in Accrington before he decided to become an HGV driver.

He had worked for a short time at both Kenyon’s Haulage in Blackburn and Barnes Tipping Haulage in Great Harwood before settling at Fagan and Whalley Transport in Hapton who he worked for right up to his death.

David was also a loving grandad to Mollie, three, who has not yet been told that he is dead.

Stacey, his eldest child and Mollie’s mum, said: "I just don't know what to tell her, my dad and my daughter doted on each other. Right now I have told her he is sleeping like he used to do when he got home from work.

"But she doesn’t understand. This morning she asked me when is he going to wake up because he is always sleeping. I am just so pleased he got to see her christening last month – it meant the world to him."

An inquest into David’s death is due to be opened at Doncaster Coroner’s Court.

As well as Sandra, the avid Blackburn Rovers supporter leaves his children Stacey, Shaun, Frances and Daniel, grand-daughter Mollie, sister Monica and brother Adrian.

He was also a nephew, uncle and friend to many.

His funeral is to be conducted by Rev Ken Fitzsimmons at Accrington Crematorium Chapel on Tuesday at 11am and will be followed by his burial in Accrington Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Hyndburn Funeral Service.

vanessa.cornall@menmedia.co.uk