A pensioner has paid tribute to his wife of 48 years after she died in an accidental house fire.

Michael Madden woke at around 2am to find a blaze had started in the couple's bungalow home on Barleycastle Lane, Appleton.

By the time he fought through the smoke to reach his wife Christine's bedroom, it was too late.

The fire, which happened in the early hours of Thursday morning last week, has been confirmed as accidental by Cheshire Fire and Rescue.

The 72-year-old mum-of-two was described as the 'most courageous person you could hope to meet'.

Mr Madden, aged 72, said: "I have known, very much loved, and respected Christine for more than 50 years.

"I first met her and learned of her spirit for adventure during a skiing holiday in Austria.

"At weekends we sailed a 20ft sailing cruiser in the English Channel around Salcombe and Dartmouth.

"Christine loved sailing, enjoying nothing more than fighting in rough seas."

The couple married in 1966, both working for the Central Electricity Generating Board at power stations in Yorkshire, before moving to Warrington in 1970.

Children Gerard and Pamela attended Lymm Grammar School.

The family farmed breeding pigs and sheep for 10 years, up to retirement.

The family home, at Oaklegh Lodge Farm, on Barleycastle Lane, was built entirely by Michael and Christine, with Christine making the front door and gate signs in a small pottery she used to run.

At the age of 60, Christine was diagnosed with severe arthritis, a condition which had left her father in a wheelchair, according to Mr Madden.

He added: "She very bravely endured the increasing pain for 12 years but, in July this year, Christine had to have both knee joints replaced.

"The operation was performed in Spire Hospital and Christine remained conscious over the whole procedure.

"The orthopaedic surgeon commented on the pleasant atmosphere in theatre largely created by Christine.

"That very much typifies her.

"You would find it extremely difficult to find a more courageous individual.

"Christine will be very sorely missed by family and friends."