AN inquest into the death of a quarry foreman who was crushed to death by a skip, was opened and adjourned yesterday.

Mark Andrew Armitage, 25, of Middleside, Middleton-in-Teesdale, died on October 19 after suffering massive internal injuries in the accident, at Hulands Quarry, Bowes, near Barnard Castle.

The father-of-two had been carrying out maintenance work on his own when the accident happened.

The inquest at Darlington Youth Court heard how a post-mortem examination revealed Mr Armit-age had suffered massive internal bleeding to his chest and abdomen, and also a fractured rib and arm.

The inquest will be resumed following inquiries by both police and the Health and Safety Executive.