A FATHER-to-be who had everything to live for has been killed in a tragic accident at work.

Chris Morris, aged 20, of Frederick Street, Farnworth, died after being crushed by wooden boards. He was due to be a father in June.

The accident happened at Starlight Bedrooms, Bloomfield Road, Farnworth, late yesterday afternoon, where Chris, known as Morris to his friends, had worked for 3-years.

His devastated family spoke today of a young man who loved life and who had been ecstatic when his girlfriend of 12 months, Steph, told him she was expecting their baby.

Mum Karen, dad Ian and 17-year-old sister Jenny, were trying to come to terms with Chris's death today at their home in Brentwood Drive, Farnworth.

They said: "He absolutely loved life and was a happy-go-lucky lad. He was just setting up home with Steph and was so excited about the baby. He wanted everything to be just right for when the baby came.

"He was so made up and couldn't wait. When Steph told him she was pregnant, he said he was buzzing and kept saying it was 'mint' -- something young lads say.

"He went into work and told all his friends they were going to be Godfathers.

"Steph has a little boy who he loved to bits.

"Every week we used to go out for a meal as a family and Chris liked that.

"He had lots of friends and they were just like another family to him where he worked. They are all devastated.

"We're not sure exactly what happened."

Chris was a bedroom fitter at the family firm and was a former pupil at Smithills High School.

Dennis Newman, a partner at Starlight Bedrooms, described Chris's death as "a freak accident".

A police spokesman said: "This death is not suspicious. It has been referred to the coroner and an investigation is now being carried out by the Health and Safety Executive."

Health and Safety Executive officers were on the scene for most of the night and were continuing their investigation today.