ONE of the region's leading experts on the ancient history of the area has died at the age of 79.

Denis Coggins carried out archaeological digs, mainly in the hills above Barnard Castle, County Durham, to uncover traces of the tools and homesteads of settlers as far back as the Bronze Age.

Mr Coggins, of Low Cragg Farm, Lartington, near Barnard Castle, was still a part-time lecturer and was due to start presenting his latest history course at Cotherstone soon, with Dr Ken Fairless.

Dr Fairless said yesterday: "I thought about cancelling the course but have now decided to go ahead with it as a tribute to Denis."

Mr Coggins was a primary and secondary school teacher at Middleton-in-Teesdale before becoming a lecturer at an education college and later an antiquities officer at the Bowes Museum.

Dr Fairless said: "Many people will be surprised to hear Denis's age because he did not act like an old man. He was a young man at heart, always full of enthusiasm for the work he was doing."

Mr Coggins published several academic papers and was working on a history of Teesdale when he died.

At one time he lived at the High Force Hotel, where his wife, Doris, was licensee, and played a major role in the dale's fell rescue team when it was based there.

He is survived by Doris, sons Christopher and Nicholas, and daughter Louise. A private cremation will take place tomorrow, and a thanksgiving service will be arranged later.