AN opening inquest into the death of Northallerton teenager Leah Elwin was told today the cause of death was intoxication with MDMA also known as ecstasy.

The 15 year old, who is also known as Leah Heyes, was found collapsed in the Applegarth car park in Northallerton on Saturday May 11 after emergency services were alerted by a member of the public. She died later in the James Cook University Hospital at Middlesbrough.

The inquest held at the Evolution Centre in Northallerton was given evidence of identification and told the cause of death was intoxication with MDMA. Senior Coroner Rob Turnbull adjourned the inquest to a date to be fixed.

Police arrested two men following the incident an 18 year old and a 17 year old who have been released pending investigations into Leah's death.

Her mum Kerry Roberts paid tribute to Leah after her death, she said: "Leah was my best friend. She was a thoughtful, beautiful girl, who was much loved."

A memorial bench is to be put in the Applegarth park in tribute to Leah, and this week Northallerton Town councillors agreed to a request from friends at Youth Space to plant a pink rosebush in the park close to where she was found.