A teenager, who was a “well-known and loved” member of the farming community, died in a quadbike crash after riding home from a nearby pub. 

An inquest into the death of Hector Eccles, 16, found that the passionate farmer had suffered serious injuries following the collision on his Polaris Ranger Farmbike on March 30.

Police confirmed that the vehicle failed to safely navigate a left-hand bend, before travelling over a grass mound and into a neighbouring field.

The incident happened near Extwistle Road, Worsthorne, at around midnight.

Coroner Chris Long, at Preston Coroner’s Court, read a statement from Hector's family,

It said: “As he grew up Hector loved farming, he loved it from a young age.

“It has always been part of his life, looking after his own livestock and from the age of 10 he kept his own pigs, sheep and chickens.

“He was well received at the auction house and was a well-known and well-loved child.”

The statement also confirmed that Hector was a confident driver and had been using vehicles from a young age on the farm.

The inquest found that Hector had been drinking in the Kettledrum Inn and the Ram Inn with friends and CCTV showed that he consumed several pints of beer.

The CCTV showed Hector leaving the pub and walking towards the quad bike.

The inquest heard the footage showed the way he was walking was consistent with him being intoxicated at the time.

There was also evidence to suggest that Hector had not been wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle which resulted in the traumatic injuries that he received.

Witness statements stated that the boys had been offered a lift from other patrons at the pubs, but they had refused. Hector can be seen reversing the vehicle and driving towards his home address.

It was also confirmed that the vehicle had rolled because of the impact, which caused the collision.

Hector rode home with a friend on the quad bike, who received minor injuries from the crash.

READ MORE: Worsthorne gathers to pay final respects to Hector Eccles

Paying tribute in the days after his death, Hector's family said: “We would like to thank everyone for the kind words and sympathy.

“This (pictured) is our Hector on his farm with his animals, where he loved to spend his time.

“Always happiest: on the farm, at Gisburn Auction, or with his friends and colleagues in Pendle Young Farmers.

“Hector will always be in our hearts and minds, we will always remember our beautiful, kind and lovely boy.”

Hector was a popular member of the Pendle Young Farmers who paid tributes following the accident.

A spokesperson said: "Everyone at Pendle Young Farmers is devastated to hear of the loss of our fellow young farmer and friend Hector Eccles.

"He was a kind, helpful and lovely lad who will be missed massively at our club.

“From everyone at Pendle Young Farmers, we would like to send our love and prayers to Geoff, Wendy his family and friends at this difficult time.

"Fly high Hector you will never be forgotten."

Hector was a familiar face at Gisburn Auction Marts, where he worked selling stock. 

A spokesperson: “Hector was a weekly fixture at Gisburn on Saturdays.

"He was a helpful, hard-working and well-mannered young man and was highly respected.

"He will be sorely missed by staff, customers and friends at Gisburn Auction.

"Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Geoff, Wendy and the family at this incredibly difficult time."

Coroner Long concluded the inquest by saying Hector had died as a result of a road traffic collision.