An inquest has opened into the death of a teenager who died in a car crash and whose body may not have been discovered for almost 12 hours.

Charles Reuben Bennington, 17, was driving a blue Isuzu Trooper, which crashed on Pedham Road, in Hemblington near Blofield. He was the only occupant.

Police say the accident happened some time between 8.45pm on February 28 and 8am the following morning. He was declared dead at the scene.

Christopher Leach, assistant coroner for Norfolk, opened the inquest into his death at Norfolk Coroner's Court on March 8.

Charles, of Mill Road, Blofield, was identified by a member of his family at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on March 6. He was born on March 16, 2005, in Norwich.

In a tribute, his family said he will always be "remembered with love and fun".

They added: "Although only 17, he inspired love, kindness and respect to all, living life to the full."

Charles had an apprenticeship with HG Wells Intervention Oil Services.

A post mortem examination believed the cause of death to be multiple injuries due to a road traffic collision. 

An inquest to determine the official cause of death has been adjourned until September 14.