Two investigations were today under way after a fireworks display organiser was killed in an explosion as he tried to destroy burnt-out components at his business premises.

Michael Mason, 53, of Hawthorne Avenue, Knaresborough, was burning firework parts in an incinerator when the door blew off and killed him.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to Ferrensby Wood Yard, in Farnham Lane, near Knaresborough, where Mr Mason was the proprietor.

Mr Mason's wife, Ethel, was taken to Harrogate District Hospital with superficial injuries and discharged.

A North Yorkshire police spokesman said: "It would appear that Mr Mason was in the process of destroying firework parts by burning in a steel incinerator."As he was securing the steel door, an explosion occurred which blew off the door ."

Health and Safety Executive officers were investigating the tragedy today.

Former Mayor of Knaresborough, Coun Eileen Ferguson said: "He was always so careful.

"He did the fireworks for Knaresborough's VE/VJ celebrations and he was very careful. He took disabled children out dinghy sailing."

She said Mr Mason had been booked to organise a Millennium fireworks display near the Castle on December 31 next year.

Vera McHugh, Knaresborough community correspondent for the Evening Press, said Mr Mason had organised displays all over the Harrogate and Knaresborough area and had been set to organise one at the Castle in Knaresborough next month.

"He was a really nice fellow," she said.

The last firework display to be organised by Mr Mason in the area took place at the Three Horseshoes pub at Killinghall, near Harrogate on Saturday night.

Landlord Steve Chapman said the £500 display in a large field at the back of the pub had been a great success.

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