A MOTORIST from Poulton died when his car plunged 20ft down a steep roadside embankment and was hit by a passing Blackpool-bound train.

Businessman Frank Kelly, 64, of Riverside Drive, Hambleton, was killed on Wednesday, August 15, when his limited edition blue Mercedes swerved off Church Road on the B5260 at Great Plumpton, between Weeton and Kirkham.

A tree showed signs of being damaged by the car and a bollard was knocked down. The accident occurred at 6.40am, close to the M55 overbridge.

Salford-born Mr Kelly, a father and grandfather, was pronounced dead at the scene. His car had been hit by the 06.14 First North Western train from Wigan to Blackpool North and wrecked as it was dragged along the line.

Emergency services, including fire crews from Wesham, South Shore and Fulwood spent the morning clearing debris.

Members of Mr Kelly's family, thought to have gathered at his Hambleton home yesterday afternoon, were too distressed to talk about the tragedy.

But neighbour Mrs Doreen Sykes, also of Riverside Drive, paid tribute to Mr Kelly. She said: "I know that all the neighbours will be very sorry. He was a businessman and kept himself to himself, but he has always been very polite and very nice. We have had a laugh and a neighbourly chat several times."

She described the neighbourhood as "reserved" but said: "They are devastated, I'm sure. I feel for his wife Gladys. They were a very nice couple."

Transport Police are piecing together evidence to help determine how Mr Kelly's car came to leave the road. A spokesman said: "Our enquiries into how the accident happened are continuing."

The only person on board the train was its driver who was treated for shock at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Train services between Blackpool North Station and Preston were affected during the clean-up operation and a shuttle bus service was put into operation. The line, which has about 90 trains running along it on weekdays, re-opened at 1pm.