Derek Robson, died in fire in his caravan day before hos 84th birthday

Experts believe the blaze that killed Derek Robson, in Appleton Wiske, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, in November last year, was started because bedding had come into contact with a heater.

The retired farmer was in failing health and used several portable heaters to keep warm, the inquest in Northallerton was told.

Station officer Roy Ashman, of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who investigated the incident, said it was likely the fire started in the living room of the 30ft caravan, where the grandfather slept on a fold-out bed.

Neighbour Alan Drummond, who had known Mr Robson for 40 years, last saw him the day before the fire and told the inquest he appeared to be his usual self.

The fire was discovered by Mr Robson’s son, Martin, on the morning of November 1.

Although the father and son had not spoken for several years, Martin Robson still regularly visited the family-owned land at Prospect House Farm, where the caravan was sited.

In a statement, Mr Robson’s son described seeing smoke coming from the farm as he approached.

He said: “I drove to the scene of the fire and could see that the caravan had been totally destroyed.

“I did not get too close because of the presence of gas and the possibility of an explosion.”

Mr Robson said he assumed at first that his father must have scrambled to safety or been taken to hospital, but a neighbour confirmed his remains were in the wrecked caravan.

He said: “My father and I did not talk to each other, but I would not say our relationship was bad. I just could not work with him, we had different ideas.”

Mr Robson said he was very shocked and saddened by his father’s death.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Robson was suffering from heart disease, which could have killed him at any time.

The cause of death was given as consistent with smoke inhalation. Coroner Michael Oakley recorded a verdict of accidental death.