AN investigation is under way into the death of a respected former agricultural show president, who was found crushed under a metal gate at his farm.

Villagers are speculating that last week's high winds may have caused the death of 75-year-old Robert James Cass, of Sutton-on-the-Forest, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire.

Both police and the Health and Safety Executive have launched inquiries into the tragedy, which is being classed as an industrial accident.

An inquest was opened and adjourned in Northallerton on Monday. The cause of death was found to be head injuries.

Neighbours raised the alarm just after 8pm last Friday and police were called to Brotherton Farm, where they discovered Mr Cass's body.

He died on the day that freak weather tore part of the roof off York railway station.

Local people yesterday paid tribute to Mr Cass, a lifelong farmer, former president of the Huby and Sutton Show and field master of the York and Ainsty South Hunt.

Mike Rigby, chairman of Sutton parish council, said: "It's a tragic loss of a tireless worker and highly respected member of the local farming community."

Bill Shaw, chairman of the neighbouring Huby authority, said: "What has happened is very sad. The weather was bad last Friday, but we don't know yet whether that led to the accident."

Mr Cass's funeral will take place on Monday, at Easingwold parish church, at noon.