The family of a man who was killed when the van he was driving was hit by a train on a crossing have said he was "the centre of their world".

Simon Gettings, 55, was killed when the supermarket delivery van he was driving was hit by a Northern train in Burscough, Lancashire, on Saturday at about 15:00 BST.

The family of the Southport married father-of-two said he had retired as a teacher after 25 years "so he could spend more time" with them.

A British Transport Police (BTP) investigation into the incident, at Martin Lane, is ongoing.

The Manchester-bound train collided with Mr Gettings' van on a crossing, which is understood to have had its gates left open.

Two passengers on the train suffered minor injuries in the collision.

Mr Gettings' family said he had taught in Southport, Liverpool and Blackpool during his career, before taking early retirement.

"His family meant everything to him, and he was the centre of our world, someone we could always turn to, rely on, and share life's happiest moments with.

"The love Simon had for his wife and children, and the bond he shared with them, was truly special."

They added that he was a keen reader, with an "unmatched sense of humour, justice and humanity".

"Simon's tragic and untimely death has left an enormous void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

"Words cannot fully express the pain of losing someone so deeply loved, but his memory will live on through his children, the love he gave so freely, and the countless cherished moments his family shared with him.

"He will be missed more than words can say, and the love Simon had for his family, and the love they will always have for him, will remain with them forever."

The crossing on which the collision happened is manually operated by people using it, with two steel gates blocking access to the line, warning lights and signs.

But people familiar with the area told the BBC the remote crossing was occasionally left open.

It is classed as a "high risk" crossing, and was due to be inspected later this month.

One man told the BBC in his experience the crossing was mainly used by locals and farmers, but that he was seeing more delivery drivers using it lately.

He added: "We really hope that there will be some sort of automated gate there that can only be opened by the public… the gate is always left open and we know that because we are often down there. I have flagged it to Network Rail."

On Monday, Network Rail said it was "supporting both the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch with their investigations."

A BTP spokesman said: "Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened."