THE distraught family of tourist Debra Exton, who was killed by falling masonry in York amid high winds, have called for urgent changes to the way churches are inspected - before someone else is hurt.

Ms Exton, 45, of East Leake, Loughborough, died on January 28, 2002, after being struck on the head by the top sections of a stone pinnacle as she walked past All Saints' Church, Pavement, only hours after arriving in the city.

She died at York Hospital from severe head injuries.

Speaking yesterday, soon after an inquest jury returned a verdict of accidental death, Ms Exton's son, Mark Shortland, said: "We understand that those involved in the maintenance of this church have learned from this tragic accident.

"What we now hope is that measures are taken, across the country, to ensure that something as terrible as this never occurs again.

"In our opinion, churches should be inspected far more often and the process should be much more thorough."

The family's solicitor, Ian Cranefield, added that he would seek to publicise the dangers in trade magazines and newspapers.

The inquest at New Earswick Folk Hall, heard that the same pinnacle fell from the 14th century church a decade earlier in stormy weather and was professionally repaired in 1993 using a long metal dowel to secure the top sections of stone.

The pinnacle was found to be in "exemplary condition" during an inspection in 1998.

Following Ms Exton's death all pinnacles were permanently removed from the church.

It was then discovered that the base sections of the fallen pinnacle and a twin pinnacle had short 50mm dowels, common practice when they were replaced in the 1950s.

Two professional stone masons told the court that the dowels used were too short.

York Coroner Donald Coverdale directed the jury that Ms Exton's death was "an accident in the ordinary sense of the word - a completely unexpected event" and said adequate measures were already in place to inspect churches.

He said: "I'm hopeful that church architects, stone masons and all those involved in the care of the fabric of churches throughout the country will have taken careful note of this incident and will keep a weather eye open for any potential danger from ancient buildings."

The Reverend David Porter, rector of All Saints' Church at the time of the accident, offered his apologies to the family during the inquest and said afterwards: "I'm very relieved, particularly on behalf of the professionals that were involved, as there was found to be no negligence.

"I am terribly sorry for the family, it's an awful experience for them.

"One can never see what's going to happen. It's just very, very sad."

Ms Exton's sons Mark and Aaron, daughter Nicola, brother Paul and mother Norma were among family and friends present at the hearing.

Updated: 09:39 Saturday, October 30, 2004