BOLTON United Harriers members have been devastated by the Blackpool jet-ski disaster in which one of their stars died and his wife has been left fighting for her life.

Deborah Hales, aged 46, was still in a critical condition in Blackpool Victoria hospital on Tuesday after the Easter accident which killed her 47-year-old husband Ian.

The Breightmet couple, married for 28 years, were enjoying the Easter weekend in Blackpool with their family when tragedy struck on Good Friday.

Their jet-ski hit a steel leg of the resort's North Pier. Police have confirmed that a windsurfer has made a complaint after being knocked into the water.

Mr and Mrs Hales were rescued by coastguards and taken to hospital with serious head wounds. Mr Hales died later. As the police investigation was still continuing , family and close friends of Mr Hales paid tribute to an "inspirational man".

His sons Michael, aged 28 and 26-year-old Jason said in a statement: "Our father always has been and always will be a great inspiration to all of us and we will miss him deeply.

"We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic accident."

Mr Hales, who worked for Wigan-based machinery firm Vibraplant, was a keen runner and long-standing member of Bolton United Harriers Club. Mrs Hales, who works for Barclaycard, is the club's social secretary. Harriers chairman Nigel Hall said the club was considering dedicating a race in Mr Hale's memory.

He said: "As a duo, they were tireless workers. Ian was a family man whose love of athletics was as infectious as his smile and sense of humour."

Mr Hales was also team manager for Bolton Metro's Youth Games squad.

Mr Hall added: "He engendered great loyalty and his endless vitality and hard work spurred everyone on that extra yard. He was utterly reliable and a tireless worker whose enthusiasm was an example to all those around him.

"Ian had a touch of gold. Our sympathies and well wishes are sent to his wife Deborah and the rest of his family."

Mr and Mrs Hales, of Stockdale Grove, Breightmet, were also heavily involved with Manchester's Commonwealth Games last year.

The family statement added: "They had been riding the jet-ski at various points during the day and Ian and Deborah had taken it out on the last trip of the afternoon and as always, had taken the appropriate safety precautions."

The couple have three other children, Martin, aged 22, Joanne, aged 18 and 17-year-old Matthew.

An inquest will be opened and adjourned later this week.