A 63-year-old man who was helping fix his cousin’s van was crushed to death by the vehicle, an inquest opening has heard.

Christopher John Tugby, who was born in Aylesbury but lived in Chesham, died on January 15 this year while working on the vehicle at his workshop in Tring, Hertfordshire.

The former gardener and mechanic, who was known amongst his peers as ‘Chugs’, owned a caravan in the South Buckinghamshire town where he spent most of his time in.

During an inquest opening at Beaconsfield Coroners Court on February 2, senior coroner Crispin Butler explained that when working at the workshop, he would usually take lunch at roughly 1 pm.

After he wasn't seen picking up his food he was found trapped underneath the back of the van.

The emergency services were called with an ambulance crew and firefighters attending the scene.

The 63-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.

The inquest opening heard that the medical cause of death was compression asphyxia after being crushed by the van.

A full inquest is due to take place on April 30 at the same location.