LARGE crowds of mourners are expected to attend the funeral of house fire victim Ian Appleton in Clinkham Wood this morning.

The well-known 51-year-old died after a blaze that is believed to have started when  a cigarette wasn't properly stubbed out at his home on Lingmell Avenue in Clinkham Wood.

Ian worked for United Utilities for 12 years and was a waste water performance technician.

His sister Maureen Bonati said more than 100 of his colleagues are expected at his funeral at St Patrick's Church in Clinkham Wood on Friday, October 9 at 11am.

Maureen said: "We are utterly grief stricken. He was a huge part of all our lives. Ian was a loving and much loved family man. Despite being single he was the centre of family meals and every celebration. He had five great nieces and nephews, aunties, uncles and cousins.

"Ian was moving, affectionate, funny, caring and full of empathy. He could relate to any age group – from those in their 80s to toddlers.

"He was a friend to those that needed one and has left a huge hole in many people's lives."