AN inquest into the death of a man in a fire at East Cowton, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, opened yesterday.

Stuart Turnbull, 24, of Break House Farm, Eryholme, between Darlington and Northallerton, died at the home of friends on Saturday.

Firefighters believe that a fire had been smouldering for some time in the lounge of the extension, where Mr Turnbull was staying, before they arrived at 6.30am.

The inquest was opened and adjourned by North Yorkshire coroner Jeremy Cave.

A funeral service for Mr Turnbull will be held at St Mary's Church, Eryholme, on Monday