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A popular PE teacher died after intentionally falling into one of the largest underground caves in Britain, an inquest has concluded.

The body of Matthew Simpson, 50, was found in the Gaping Gill cavern system in the Yorkshire Dales National Park on 27 August.

A search had earlier been launched by North Yorkshire Police and the Cave Rescue Organisation following concerns for the welfare of Mr Simpson, who worked at South Hunsley School in East Yorkshire.

On Friday, a coroner concluded that Mr Simpson's death was due to the traumatic injuries he had suffered in a fall from a height and that he had taken his own life.

Gaping Gill is a 322ft (98m) deep pothole on the slopes of Ingleborough and is the largest underground chamber in the UK that is open to the surface.

The inquest into Mr Simpson's death was held "in writing", meaning no public hearing took place at North Yorkshire Coroner's Court because the evidence was not contested and there was no third party involvement.

According to assistant coroner John Broadbridge's findings of fact: "The deceased was found after a search following welfare concerns unresponsive within the cave at Gaping Gill, Clapham, Settle, with apparent severe injuries.

"His death was recognised there that same afternoon and later determined to be from the effect of those injuries sustained in a likely fall to his death from height.

"The evidence was that the deceased took his own life and intended to do so."

Mr Broadbridge recorded a conclusion of suicide.

Mr Simpson, who lived in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, near York, was described by colleagues at South Hunsley School as a "PE legend" with a "passion for sport".

He played football for South Cave Veterans FC and had coached Leeds United's Daniel James as a young player.

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