THE death of a popular community figure at his travel company's yard in Allendale was an accident, an inquest has found.

Nigel Baynes, 63, owner of Baynes Travel, died on March 10 this year.

An inquest held at County Hall in Morpeth last week heard Mr Baynes had advised he was carrying out repairs at his garage that evening.

Following concerns for his welfare, Mr Baynes was found under the front of the coach which was resting on him.

Paramedics and fire services attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene, the inquest heard.

Senior Coroner Andrew Hetherington recorded a verdict of accidental death as a result of asphyxia.

The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed no enforcement action was taken after they carried out an investigation following Mr Baynes' death.

A HSE spokesperson said: "Mr Baynes was the sole owner of the company and was the only person involved in the planning and carrying out of the work that resulted in this fatal accident.

"No enforcement action was taken. Our thoughts remain with Mr Baynes’ friends and family."

Mr Baynes was a former president of the Allendale Lions club and hugely involved in the village's annual bonfire, Christmas lights, and New Year's Eve Tar Bar'l celebrations.

He also founded Allendale Fair in 1983 and was Allendale's beloved long-standing pantomime dame.

Margaret Stonehouse, a friend and colleague for more than 20 years of Mr Baynes, said after his death: "Nigel was truly a larger-than-life character with boundless energy and empathy for others. He ran his taxi and coach business with endless energy and mercy trips were a speciality. 'Mr Allendale' was a one-off matchless legend."

Mr Baynes was also a retained firefighter, and flags at fire stations across Northumberland flew at half-mast following his death as a sign of respect and mourning.