MOURNERS gathered to pay their respects to Darren Higgins, the youngest victim of an explosion at a North-East power station.

More than 500 friends, family and work colleagues packed into the tiny Roman Catholic Church of St Andrew's, in Teesville, Middlesbrough, to say goodbye to the 28-year-old, from Normanby.

Mr Higgins, an operator technician, was killed instantly in a blast along with colleague Andrew Sherwood, at Enron's Teesside power station last week.

Lawrence Surtees, 40, a maintenance manager, later died of his burns in hos- pital.

St Andrew's Church was so packed yesterday that more than 40 mourners had to stand outside, sheltering from the rain under trees and porches.

Mr Higgins' coffin was carried into the church, followed by his family, and girlfriend Emma Bruin, 23.

St Andrew's Church priest, Father Neil McNicholas, told the congregation that Mr Higgins was a loving father, devoted to his young son, who lives in Poland.

He also talked of Mr Higgins' love for dangerous sports, such as skiing, riding motorbiking, and caving.

He said how tragic it seemed that he should be killed "doing something as simple as his job".

He said that the 28-year-old always had time for others, which meant that he was respected by everyone around him.

Mr Higgins also excelled at work and was named apprentice of the year shortly after joining ICI.

The fourth victim of the explosion, Graeme White, is still in hospital suffering from burns and is described as "comfortable".