A pub landlord died in a crash on a rural North Yorkshire road, an inquest heard on Wednesday (October 16). 

David John Lea, 70, from Helperby, who was the landlord of The Golden Lion Inn, Helperby, was killed in a crash on West Moor Road, Raskelf, on September 4.

The 70-year-old, who was driving a Renault Kangoo, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash after his vehicle was involved in a collision with a black Land Rover Discovery.

According to police at the time, the Renault Kangoo was travelling towards Helperby, while the Discovery was heading in the opposite direction towards Raskelf.

Mr Lea's inquest was opened at Northallerton Coroners Court on Wednesday, with area coroner Catherine Cundy confirming the details of the 70-year-old's death. 

At the inquest, Coroner Cundy said: "Mr Lea was driving on West Moor Road when his vehicle collided with another one. He sustained multiple injuries in the crash, which died from. His identity was confirmed at the scene."

Following the crash in Raskelf on September 4, people paid tribute to Mr Lea online, with one person saying: "David was an exceptional man. He was well-liked in our local community. A great pub landlord who made people feel at home and welcome in his (and our) home the Golden Lion." 

Meanwhile, another person paid tribute to the 70-year-old  by saying: "Our thoughts are with David's family. He was an amazing man. A good friend to all and always made you welcome in the pub or events that are held in Helperby. He definitely will be missed by so many people."

Alongside the tributes, the Golden Lion Inn at Helperby celebrated David's life on September 28, when the village gathered to pay tribute to the landlord.