AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the death of a man on his North Yorkshire farm.

According to North Yorkshire Police Robert James Cass, 75, of Brotherton Farm, at Sutton-on-the-Forest, was found dead under a large metal farm gate last Friday by a neighbour.

Police were called to the farm just after 8pm when the neighbour raised the alarm.

An inquest was opened and adjourned in Northallerton on Monday and the cause of death was found to be head injuries.

Mr Cass lived on his own and because the tragedy is classed as an industrial accident, police say that they, along with the Health and Safety Executive, are investigating what happened.

The accident happened on the same day as part of the roof at York Railway Station was ripped off in the freak weather.

According to locals, speculation is rife in the village that the accident happened because of the high winds.

Mr Cass was a farmer all his life and past president of Huby and Sutton Show.

Mike Rigby, chairman of Sutton Parish Council, said he was also past field master for York and Ainsty South hunt and past captain of the local shoot.

He said: "It's a tragic loss of a tireless worker and highly respected member of the local farming community."

Bill Shaw, Huby Parish Council chairman, said: "We always used to see Robbie in the New Inn in Huby on a Sunday.

"There are so many of us around here that know him for just the fine fellow that he was. He was a gentleman and will be sadly missed by this community.

"What has happened is very sad. The weather was bad last Friday - but we don't know yet whether that led to the accident."

The funeral will take place next Monday, at Easingwold Parish Church, at noon.

Updated: 11:21 Thursday, February 28, 2002