INQUEST proceedings have opened following the death of a man travelling in a car which left a road and came to rest in a field.

Andrew Scott, 31, of Village Farm, Edmundbyers, near Consett, was a passenger in the Rover 25 which appeared to lose control in Fellside Road, Whickham, Gateshead, before crashing into a nearby field.

Gateshead coroner Terence Carney opened the inquest, hearing evidence of identification, before adjourning proceedings, pending completion of the police inquiry into the accident, on Sunday, November 26, at 7.30am.

A funeral service took place at St Edmunds Church, in Edmundbyers, followed by burial in the nearby churchyard, on Thursday.

Mr Scott's parents, June and Malcolm, asked for family flowers only, and donations, in lieu, to the North-East Air Ambulance.

The 26-year-old driver of the Rover was arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving without due care while unfit through drink or drugs. He was released on police bail, pending further investigations.