AN inquest into the death of a North-East lorry driver killed while working in France has been opened and adjourned.

John Ward, 46, died last month from serious head injuries after his lorry left the road and overturned near the town of Sarthe, in Northern France.

Mr Ward, of Barnard Castle, County Durham, was a regular visitor to the continent in his job as a self-employed haulage contractor.

The inquest was opened and adjourned at Darlington by coroner Colin Penna.

Mr Penna said he would contact the authorities in France to try and find out more about the September 25 accident.

However, he warned it could take months or even years before the inquest may be resumed.

Mr Ward's funeral is due to take place at St Mary's Parish Church, Barnard Castle, on Monday