FRIENDS and relatives of a young RAF man who was killed in secret nerve gas trials held a two-minute silence yesterday during an inquest into his death.

The inquiry into the death of 20-year-old Ronald Maddison, from Consett, County Durham, was adjourned by the coroner for the mark of respect, 51 years to the day after he died.

Former veterans of the tests at the Ministry of Defence's Porton Down base and Leading Aircraftman Maddison's sister, Lillias Craik, 70, gathered in silence outside the hearing in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, shortly before 11am.

It was at that time 51 years ago that he fell ill after he was exposed to a few drops of the nerve agent Sarin.

Within an hour, he was dead.

The re-opened investigation into LAC Maddison's death follows the original inquest, which was held in secret on the orders of the Home Office and which recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

After years of campaigning by his family in County Durham, the report into how and why he died is being re-examined.

Yesterday, Wiltshire Coroner David Masters told how LAC Maddison's father, John, had visited the base after his death.

Military documents said Mr Maddison agreed to protect national security by telling family members his son had died from "an unfortunate accident while on duty".

But a letter written to military bosses from Mr Maddison Snr showed he rejected an offer of £3 towards funeral expenses, saying: "I would like to know a bit more about my son's death as I am not satisfied with what I have been told."

The family said LAC Maddison was tricked into taking part in the experiments in the belief they were to find a cure for the common cold.

Others said they were similarly duped and have suffered serious long-term health problems.

Lawyers said it was a benchmark case that could lead to civil action against the Government.

Yesterday, the inquest heard evidence that said Porton Down scientists insisted the volunteers had been told of the trial's nature and risks.

But medical officer Wing Commander Adam Muir revealed his concern at the switch from Sarin tests on rabbits and monkeys to humans and the high doses given to them.

The inquest continues.