An inquest has opened into the death of a 19-year-old motorbike enthusiast.

Joshua Luke Sharpe, from Rishton, died on June 22 at the Astley Raceway MX in Tyldesley.

Last month, his family released a heartfelt tribute to him, describing him as a much-loved "son, brother and loving partner".

Bolton Coroners’ Court heard from a police coroners’ officer that Joshua, who was a drainage engineer living on Hermitage Street, Rishton, had been participating in an off-road motorcycle track run at the time of his death.

After riding over the first jump with no issue, he was thrown from his motorcycle after the second jump, coming to a rest on the side of the track.

The court heard that patrons of the raceway had come to Joshua’s aid, but that he was pronounced dead by Dr Hilary Eason at the scene.

Pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd determined Joshua’s cause of death to be a head injury in a post-mortem examination at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan.

The police coroners’ officer said an investigation had determined there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances in the death.

The inquest was adjourned for five months, with a provisional hearing set for December 9.

A forensic reconstruction of the incident is set to take place, with coroner Timothy W Brennand requiring updates every 56 days.

Coroner Brennand said the inquest would need to see a report from the organisers of the sporting event, land owners, and all potential interested persons, including a statement from Helimed clinicians, and a statement from North West Ambulance Service personnel.

The coroner said all evidence should be received by August 30.

After Josh's death, his family released a tribute which said: “Josh was very sporty and excelled naturally in football.

"He played for Rishton United Football Club Juniors and Hyndburn Youths.

"Josh’s love for motorbikes developed at a very young age and he often rode them with his dad on weekends.

"Although he has always loved motorbikes, it wasn’t until he was financially independent that he was able to enjoy this hobby more frequently with his friends.

“What stood out most about Josh was his kindness.

"He had an ability to sense when someone needed a friend, a kind word, or a gentle smile. He was always the first to offer help, never asking for anything in return.

"His empathy and generosity were beyond his years, qualities that made him beloved by everyone who knew him. In his short life, he touched more hearts than many do in a lifetime.”