Family and friends have paid tribute to a Bristol man who has died after being carried unconscious from his burning home.

They said Brian Jones, from Totterdown, was a wonderful brother, friend and colleague.

Firefighters were called to Mr Jones's home on School Road at about 10.30pm on Saturday, where thick black smoke was billowing from inside.

The 66-year-old retired labourer was discovered in the living room, and despite efforts from paramedics on the scene and staff at Bristol Royal Infirmary, he died later from smoke inhalation.

Mr Jones's family say the fire started after he had turned his gas fire on and something nearby started smouldering.

Fire crews broke down his front door to enter the property.

Mr Jones, known to many as George, had lived in the semi-detached house next door to Hillcrest Primary School since the age of 14, and on his own in the house since his mother died a couple of years ago.

Flowers have been laid on the doorstep of his home, underneath windows which were smashed in the fire and cream exterior paintwork now blackened with smoke.

Mr Jones, who never married and had no children, leaves behind three sisters and a brother: Valerie, Anita, Christine, and Lesley, all living in Bristol.

His older sister Christine Harrison, 67, of Gloucester Road in Filton, said: "This was a tragic accident. He was such a wonderful brother.

"Unfortunately he recently was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he had retired last March and had been enjoying life as a man of leisure.

"He loved his garden, and going out for lunch in town. He was a very independent man, but also very thoughtful and caring. We will miss him a lot."

Brian had worked since the age of 14 as a labourer for Stone BCI, based in Westbury Park.

Managing director Stuart Jones said yesterday: "It was with great sadness that we received the news that Brian had passed away over the weekend.

"Brian was a well-liked and respected colleague and a very reliable and industrious worker, in his 46 years of employment with Stone BCI he never had a day off sick until five months before his retirement date, when he was diagnosed with cancer.

"He rode his bicycle to work every day and was never late – wherever the site was and whatever the weather.

"Everyone wanted to work with Brian because they knew he would work hard and was always ready to help others when needed.

"Brian was an exceptional employee, who will be missed by all of us."

The alarm was raised by Brian's next door neighbour of 28 years, Susan Hall.

She noticed the smell of smoke in her ground floor flat in the property next to Brian's and called the fire brigade and Brian's family.

Susan, 59, who does not work at the moment, said: "He was a lovely guy, he really was.

"He always looked out for me. He wasn't just a neighbour, more like family.

"Recently I was ill myself, and even though he was unwell he got my shopping and bought me flowers and came over to check on me.

"Everyone knew him, and loved him."

Christine added: "We would like to thank Susan for raising the alarm and the Bristol Royal Infirmary for being absolutely wonderful, doing their best with Brian and looking after us."

You can pay your own tribute to Brian Jones at Lasting Tribute.