AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a Bacup teenager who died in a motorcycling accident.

Matthew James Entwistle, 15, died following an accident at the 4X4 Cowm Quarry Centre at Whitworth, Rossendale, a fortnight ago.

The youngster, a pupil at Fearns Community Sports College, Bacup, was a keen trials biker and a member of Rossendale Motocross Club.

He lived in Rochdale Road, Bacup, with his family, who paid tribute to a "wonderful son and brother."

They said his passion was motocross and BMX riding and added that the last three months riding and competing for Rossendale AMCA, were probably some of his happiest times.

East Lancashire coroner's officer Steve Rothwell said: "An inquest has been opened into the death of Matthew James Entwistle.

"He was riding off road at a motorcycle track on land adjacent to a quarry in Whitworth. He appears to have lost control of the motorcycle resulting in a fall down the side of a rock face in the quarry.

"Paramedics attended and confirmed his death at 6.56pm on August 10."

Home Office pathologist Dr Naomi Carter has carried out a post mortem examination at Burnley General Hospital and given a cause of death as multiple injuries.

The inquest was adjourned while further inquiries are made into the circumstances of his death.

Police and safety officials from Rossendale Council are now investigating the incident at the 150-acre off-road site.

Part of the site has been closed while the investigation is completed.