Hundreds attend funeral of miner Gerry Gibson

A miner's helmet and fluorescent vest were on top of Mr Gibson's coffin

Hundreds of friends, relatives and colleagues of a miner who died after a roof collapsed in a pit have said farewell to him at his funeral.

Gerry Gibson's coffin was carried into Selby Abbey, in North Yorkshire, with a miners' helmet and fluorescent yellow vest placed on top.

Mr Gibson, 49, from Sherburn-in-Elmet, died last week in a rock fall in Kellingley Colliery, near Knottingley.

An inquest heard Mr Gibson died from asphyxiation.

The mourners were led by Mr Gibson's wife Brenda and his eldest son Sean, who followed his coffin into the abbey, which was packed for the requiem Mass.

A major rescue operation was launched 2,625ft (800m) underground following the roof collapse on 27 September.

Gerry Gibson died in a rock fall at Kellingley Colliery

Rescuers pulled out Mr Gibson's colleague Phil Sheldon, who suffered minor injuries after being trapped by his leg but Mr Gibson was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family have said they were devastated by his death and paid tribute to all those involved in the rescue effort.

Mr Gibson was originally from Shotts, North Lanarkshire, and the Scottish National Union of Mineworkers said he would be "sorely missed".