AN ELDERLY farmer from Crewkerne died after accidentally falling from the roof of a barn, an inquest heard.

Roger Lock, 76, died on August 29, when he suffered a fatal head injury after he fell from the roof of a barn he was repairing at his farm at Tinkers Bay Lodge.

The coroner read a statement from Mr Lock’s son – John Lock – detailing how the farmer was dedicated to his job and farmed over 50 cattle and 70 acres of land on his own and also explained how there had been a fire in November in 2015 which destroyed some of the farm’s storage sheds.

A statement from Health and Safety Executive inspector, Damien Milborne said was also read out by the coroner, stating how after carrying out an investigation, it could be concluded the farm buildings Mr Lock was repairing were structurally safe but in need of repair.

Mr Milborne also said Mr Lock had not put any safety measures in place to prevent damage from any falls and he was in sole control of what he was doing.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Lock suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage and a fractured skull at the time of his death and had not been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The coroner concluded Mr Lock had died from a severe head injury and recorded his death as accidental death.