A CORONER has said the tragic death of a young farmer emphasises the care and caution needed when operating farm machinery.

Billy Rudge, aged 20, died at his family farm, Baysham Farm in Sellack, in February 2015.

The inquest at Herefordshire Coroner's Court on Monday heard he had been brought up helping out on the farm, near Ross-on-Wye, and was very experienced with machinery.

On February 9 two years ago Billy decided to collect a log from one of the farm's fields to cut it up to use for timber.

Giving evidence to the inquest, Zak Webb said he drove a Merlo telehandler to the field, on Billy's instructions. Billy drove alongside on a quad bike.

When they arrived at the field Zak drove the telehandler about quarter of the way down a slope in the field, before getting out.

Zak said Billy then got into the vehicle to lift the log and had turned it so it was across the slope.

But the telehandler then started to tip downhill and turned onto its side. Billy then tried to get out of the cab but tragically the telehandler rolled again onto its roof and then turned once more, which led to Billy becoming trapped.

Billy was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem revealed he died from a fracture of the upper cervical spine.

The inquest heard the slope was 25 degrees at some points and between 16 degrees and 19 degrees at other points.

His dad, Chris Rudge, said: "I think he would have been very aware of the danger. We don't know why he did it. Billy was very aware of the Merlo's capabilities."

A jury concluded he died an accidental death.

Coroner Mark Bricknell said: "Billy's death was tragic. He was just 20 but it serves to highlight the dangers of farms and elsewhere, particularly where loaders or loading are involved on sloping ground.

"Billy, although only 20, was capable. He knew the vehicle and the slope which serves only to emphasise the care and caution one needs to exercise."

Speaking following the inquest, Chris said: "Today was just a very sad day. We will remember Billy fondly. He was our comedian and had the energy in the family. It is not the same unit without him and never will be."

Chris and his wife, Jen, have raised money in Billy's name through speed shearing contests which has paid for young farmers to go to New Zealand and learn new skills in sheep shearing.