THE family of a farm worker killed by falling bales earlier this month have paid tribute on the eve of his funeral.

Paul Murtagh, a 35-year-old father-of-two from Teesdale, in County Durham, died nearly two weeks ago in an accident at Wycliffe Grange Farm, near Barnard Castle.

Several bales of straw had fallen from the back of a trailer he had earlier been towing, crushing him.

He leaves a widow, Carolyn, and son Joe, nine, and daughter Katie, six. The family lived together at Bank Top Cottages, in Mickleton, to where they had moved from nearby Eggleston eight months ago.

Paul's father-in-law, David Plum, from Darlington, said: "He was a much loved son-in-law and we shall miss him very considerably. In many ways, he was an ideal son-in-law."

Mr Plum said Paul had almost 20 years of experience in farming, having joined Houghall Agricultural College, in Durham, straight from school for a one-year course before starting work.

Mr Murtagh's funeral will take place at Middleton Methodist Church, Middleton in Teesdale, starting at noon today. The service will be followed by a cremation at Darlington.

His death is one of five recent farm deaths, with the others happening in Chop Gate, near Stokesley, Pocklington, near York, Leeds and Barnsley.

The National Farmers' Union and Health and Safety Executive have issued a cautionary warning to other farm workers as they battle to get their harvests in on time.

Graham Oddy, vice-chairman of the NFU North-East Farm Safety Forum, said: "We don't yet have all the details, and cannot comment on the possible causes, but they will serve as a salutary reminder to all in the farming industry.

"Machines and heavy objects can and do kill."

Mr Plum added: "All farm workers are cautioned to take great care. He was not a young lad who was inexperienced.