POWER plant giant Enron has been given back control of its plant following last week's fatal explosion that killed three men.

The Health and Safety Executive, investigating the explosion that also left a fourth man injured, has handed back the plant, although the site of the explosion remains cordoned off.

A company spokesman said some workers are now returning to the site to help with damage assessment and repairs.

He added that no decisions had been taken on when power generation would begin again.

The spokesman said: "The priority of the company this week remains with the families and friends involved."

An inquest into the deaths opened on Tuesday.

Dentist Kathryn Quinton told the hearing in Middlesbrough that she recognised dental work she had carried out on Darren Higgins, 28, of Normanby, and Andrew Sherwood, 36, from Hartlepool.

Teesside coroner Michael Sheffield said: "They could not otherwise be identified by normal means. I am satisfied they are the two bodies in question."

Maintenance manager Lawrence Surtees, from Hawthorne, County Durham, died hours later in hospital.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Graeme White, 37, from Billingham, is being treated for burns sustained in the blast.