AN inquest into the death of a North-East soldier who was killed while repairing a damaged tank in Afghanistan will resume today.

Lance Corporal Sean Tansey, 26, was servicing a Scimitar at a UK base near Sangin, in northern Helmand, when the accident happened.

The soldier, from Newcastle, was serving with the Household Cavalry regiment, when he died on August 12 2006.

The Junior Non-Commissioned Officer had previously served in Iraq.

His commanding officer Lt Col Edward Smyth-Osbourne said throughout his time in Iraq and subsequently in Afghanistan, LCpl Tansey had often been in the thick of the action.

He said the soldier had proved himself to be extremely competent and utterly dependable.

LCpl Tansey was a bright and intelligent soldier, an extremely competent and utterly dependable operator, he said.

LCpl Tansey had recently qualified as a Regimental Combat Medical Technician.

The inquest is due to take place at Oxford Coroners Court at 9.30am.