A MAN has died in a tragic shooting accident in Weardale.

The incident happened at remote farmland near on the A689 between Wolsingham and Frosterley.

An alarm was raised before 11am this morning when a man reported to staff at nearby Newlands Hall that a colleague had been badly hurt after a shotgun had been fired.

Paramedics were unable to help the victim who was believed to be in his fifties who was confirmed dead at the scene.

The man who had been with him was unhurt but badly shaken.

An investigation into the man's death is underway and at this stage is not being treated as suspicious.

It is believed that the man and his colleague were on the land lawfully when the gun was discharged.

Officials from the Health and Safety Executive have been informed who are currently on scene with Police conducting initial investigations.

The identity of the man has not yet been confirmed.