THE man described as the grandfather' figure in the £45million redevelopment of Blackburn Cathedral has died after an accident on a building site.

David Humphries, a surveyor who was project manager for the development, died after falling 20ft while inspecting a disused church in Bolton.

Today, the Dean of Blackburn, the very Rev Christopher Armstrong, paid tribute to Mr Humphries, who brought "enthusiasm, optimism, and vision" to the development project.

The plans involve building 96 apartments, underground parking, two new public squares, a new Cathedral library, and gardens next to the Cathedral.

Council officers are currently looking over the plans, which are expected to go before the borough's planning committee later this year.

Mr Humphries, 64, from Woolton Park in Liverpool owned a firm based in Preston. "He had great influence in the region, and he had done a similar project at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral," said the Dean.

"He brought a great deal of enthusiasm, optimism and vision to the consultancy group for the development."

The consultancy group is made up of a more than a dozen experts and includes financiers, architects, town planners, surveyors, and developers. "We relied on him for gentle steerage, he had a sort of overview role, like a grandfather," added Rev Armstrong.

"He was a Liverpudlian and had a great sense of humour, and was very highly involved in Liverpool Cathedral.

"He was a man of faith and was known in the building trade as a man of faith and goodness.

"We shall miss him greatly."

He said that as the projects nears its start date, which could be in 15-months time, a re-placement would have to be found for Mr Humphries to oversee the work.

It is believed Mr Humphries died after falling through a hole in the floor during an inspection of the upper level of Holy Trinity Church, Bolton.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.