THE family of a man killed on a Mediterranean holiday say they are relieved that a date has been set for his inquest.

Chris Rochester, 24, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, died in a Greek hospital after plunging 40ft from a hotel balcony, in June last year.

A post-mortem examination carried out after the body was flown back to the UK revealed one of his kidneys was missing.

After an organ turned up, DNA tests paid for by the family showed that it did not belong to Mr Rochester.

Now, more than 12 months after the tragedy, the inquest into his death will resume in a two-day hearing at Durham's County Hall, on July 26 and 27.

His family are hoping that any new evidence presented during the inquest could prove the Greek authorities were negligent, paving the way for legal action.

Pam Cummings, Mr Rochester's mother, said: "In a way, we are relieved we have a date set for the inquest now.

"We want some sort of evidence that proves they were negligent. Then we can start thinking of legal proceedings.

"The longer the wait has gone on, the more evidence they have been able to collect.

"It's been a terrible strain on the family, because we have felt that we can't move on.

"I'll never be able to rest until I know everything, but things might get a bit easier after the inquest."

After a fun day this summer, the family plan further fundraisers to help them with legal costs that may arise.