AN inquest was opened yesterday into the death of a 17-year-old trainee soldier who died after collapsing on a five-mile run.

Jonathan Ian Mackenzie, of Starbridge, Worcestershire, died at the infantry training centre, at Catterick Garrison, last Friday.

He was serving as a recruit with 2 Company F Platoon, at Catterick Garrison.

Captain James Glossop, Mr Mackenzie's platoon commander, told the inquest at Darlington Magistrates Court, that the teenager had been "very determined to make the Army his career".

He said: "He was among 31 new recruits who began their training at the end of January."

When asked by Coroner Colin Penna if the young man had appeared to be a "fit and normal" person, Cpt Glossop said he had.

Last Friday, Mr Mackenzie was taking part in a five mile sprint-and-run exercise.

At about 10am, Mr Mackenzie collapsed and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital. He died later that day.

Consultant pathologist Dr Ursula Earl, conducted a post mortem examination, but informed the inquest by letter that she was deferring giving a cause of death until further tests could be carried out.

The coroner adjourned the inquest for the test results.