A FORMER church organist who died when his house became smoke-logged after fire broke out has been described ‘as a bit of character’ by neighbours.

Firefighters forced their way into the home of Trevor Pickering on Fines Road in Medomsley, Consett, just after midnight on Sunday morning.

The alarm had been raised by Henry Geissler, 55, who lives next door, when he smelt smoke after returning from a night out.

Mr Geissler, who works as a railway technician, said: “I went outside and saw smoke bellowing out of his upper floor window.

“I knocked on his other neighbour to get them out and called the fire brigade.

“They arrived within eight minutes, broke down the door and went in with their hoses.”

Firefighters found Mr Pickering, who was in his 70s and lived alone, lying unconscious and he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Geissler said: “Obviously it is very sad news. He was very well thought of and was a bit of a character. He was well educated and the post man was always delivering books.”

Mike Swinton, 74, who lives on the other side of Mr Pickering’s mid-terrace stone built home, said he used to play the organ at St Mary Magdalene Church in the village and was a keen pianist.

He said: “Music was his big thing, but no-one knew him very well at all.

“I used to see him at the bus stop and we would always have a crack.

“He was a chef years and years ago and would talk about working in hotels in Durham.”

Investigations are now being carried out by Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the blaze.

A police spokesman said there was nothing to indicate any suspicious circumstances.

A report has been sent to the County Durham and Darlington Coroner so an inquest can be held.

Mr Swinton said: “The fire brigade and police investigators were here all day on Monday. They’ll be producing a report and then we will know how it all started.

“I am devastated as you can imagine.

“It is extremely tragic.”