A WELL known Shaldon 'character' died from multiple injuries after his three tonne dumper truck fell on him, an inquest heard on Wednesday.

Martin Chedgy, 65, was driving the machine at his Long Lane smallholding on Saturday evening when it toppled over. Coroner's officer Ric Parsons gave the result of a post-mortem at the hearing in Torquay, and said police inquiries into the tragedy were continuing.

Mr Parsons added that Mr Chedgy's body was formally identified by Graham Rose, a retired consultant, of Stokeinteignhead, who had been a friend for eight years. The inquest was adjourned to a date to be arranged for a full hearing into the fatality. Mr Chedgy, of Linacre, Higher Ringmore Road, was described as a retired businessman. Ambulance and fire crews rushed to the scene of the accident, and air bags were used to lift the machine off Mr Chedgy, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Described by local councillor Chris Clarance as 'a local character, and a likeable eccentric who always had the time of day for everybody', Mr Chedgy's son died in a motor-cycle accident at the age of 19 some years ago. Mr Chedgy kept disused vehicles on his land, and last year he won a two-day planning battle to keep them there after Teignbridge Council ordered him to clear the site.