THE 90-year-old man who was found dead following a house fire in Malton has been named as Raymond Ward.

A coroner's inquest into his death was opened on Monday and adjourned until a later date.

One neighbour said: "We've known the family since we came to live here 20 years ago. It's so sad. He was such a nice man, and they were a nice couple."

Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign organised last week to raise money for Mr Ward's family has passed its target.

The campaign has been organised by Leoni Lenaghan, who lives in Mr Ward's street and who herself was the victim of a house fire several years ago in Norton that resulted in the death of two jockeys.

The initial target for the campaign was £200, but when this was surpassed it was increased to £300. This target has now also been beaten, with the total yesterday standing at £360. This money is to be used by Mr Ward's family "in anyway that helps".

Ms Lenaghan and a friend have also said they are hoping to organise a fundraising evening.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at the bungalow in Fitzjohn Close, off Rainbow Lane, at about 7.30am on Friday, January 22.

Fire crews from Malton and Pickering, as well as an aerial ladder from Scarborough were at the scene. The street was closed to vehicles for much of the morning, and not reopened until about noon.

Fire investigators have carried out a full examination of the property to determine how the fire started.

For more information on Ms Lenaghan’s fundraising campaign, go to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/leoni-lenaghan