A FATHER-OF-ONE who died when his home exploded has been described as fun and inspiring by his son.

Paul Frederick Wilmott, 63, was formerly identified by North Yorkshire Police on Tuesday after he died at his home in Springwood, Haxby, on Friday morning.

In a statement released by his family, including his son Ian, it was revealed he had volunteered with York Hospital Radio since he was a young man.

He and his partner, Olivia, had been together for more than nine years and shared a love of ice skating.

She said: "He was the kindest, gentlest person I have ever known."

Mr Wilmott is believed to have been alone in his house when the explosion happened, however, investigations into the cause are still taking place.

Mr Wilmott’s family described him as a person who was extremely kind and enjoyed life.

Their statement reads: "Paul was born in York and had lived here all his life.

"Paul had worked for many years at Leeds Beckett University as the specialist sound engineer with the video production unit.

"He had been a volunteer with York Hospital Radio since he was a young man.

"As their technical officer, he did many outside broadcasts including from the York Barbican and York Minister, as well as the city’s Joseph Rowntree Theatre and the Theatre Royal.

Ian described his father as a happy person, who was fun and inspiring.

Mr Wilmott is also survived by his mother and brother.

An inquest into the death is expected to open on Thursday.

The detached home was reduced to rubble at 7.30am on Friday by an explosion which was heard from miles around.

Emergency services arrived in the street to find a scene of total devastation and neighbouring homes with missing roof tiles, windows and debris scattered along the road.