A man from Wantage has died while on holiday in Malta after a fire swept through the hotel where he was staying.

Stephen Northrop, who had lived in the town for about 30 years and was well-known in the area, was the only person to die in the blaze at the four-star Halland Hotel in Ibrag, which broke out last Monday evening. (May 9)

It is believed that the 42-year-old, who had learning difficulties, died as a result of smoke inhalation.

According to a Maltese newspaper report, Mr Northrop, who was staying in a room on the fifth floor, had been asked by firefighters to move onto his balcony but he refused.

The newspaper also reported that he collapsed and was carried down to the hotel lobby, where he was resuscitated briefly before losing consciousness.

Staff and 60 other guests were all evacuated safely.

Mr Northrop, who lived with his parents Reggie and Margaret on Bailey Close, had attended the Fitzwaryn School in Wantage, before undertaking a number of work placements.

He went on to work as a technician at the Vale and Downland Museum in Wantage for about three years.

Roger Humphries, a family friend and museum trustee, said: "Stephen was very much a character. He was well liked by everyone who worked with him, particularly at the museum where he made lots of friends."

Mr Northrop was known for his keen interest in buses and trams, and enjoyed exhibiting his collection of bus and tram memorabilia locally and also in Blackpool.

A spokesman for the Malta Tourist Office Unit in London said the cause of the fire was being investigated by police.

In 2003, Mr Northrop was given a three-year community rehabilitation order after he admitted making and possessing indecent images of children.