A PASSIONATE follower of world rally racing and fan of the late World Rally Champion, Colin McRae, has died in a tragic accident at work.

Martin Leverton, of Rimmington, was crushed by a bull at Gisburn Auction Marts, in Gisburn, on Friday morning, where he had worked for more than 20 years.

Formerly farming at Tosside - he sold up in 1997 - Martin and his wife of 49 years, Audrey, were enthusiastic followers of rally racing.

The 70-year-old's pride and joy was his Subaru and with Audrey he attended the World Rally Championship in Wales every year, taking their car to all the stages, meeting other rally enthusiasts and showing off their pride and joy.

His daughter-in-law, Sharon Leverton said: "His first Subaru was soon covered in stickers replicating the WRC Subaru car, even featuring LEVERTON in the window.

"His favourite pass time was to trawl through ebay purchasing memorabilia from badges to rally car parts.

"Martin and Audrey have taken part in several Colin McRae memorial drives, including the world record 30 mile convoy of Subaru's which finished at Prodrive in Banbury" It attracted about 11,00 cars.

Mr Leverton had worked as a member of the yard staff at Gisburn for more than 20 years and was a good and well liked member of staff, said Richard Turner, secretary and auctioneer of Gisburn Auction Marts Ltd.

"We are all very emotional and in a state of shock. It is a terrible tragedy. The driver of the wagon was very, very distraught.

"As far as we are concerned everything was in order. We follow strict guidelines laid down by the NFU. We expect a health and safety and a police investigation."

A Lancashire police spokesman said police were called about 7.30am on Friday, August 25, following reports that a man had been seriously injured by a bull at Gisburn Auction Mart in Gisburn Road. Emergency services attended but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation is underway and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

It was being treated as a non-suspicious death and a file would be submitted to the coroner.

Mr Leverton leaves his wife Audrey, son Ian and his wife Heather, youngest son David and his wife Sharon and grand children Jack, Charlie, Reece and Courtney.