An inquest is to resume today into the death of a retired Hampshire teacher who was trampled to death by an elephant while he was on holiday in India.

Colin Manvell, of Havant, died at the Masinagudi National Park in the state of Tamil Nadu on September 19 last year.

Conflicting reports emerged about how the 67-year-old died but it has been claimed that he was hard-of-hearing and failed to hear warnings shouted by guides and other tourists.

Other accounts suggest he was engrossed in his photography and did not hear two other elephants charge at him from behind.

Mr Manvell was a retired geography teacher at Warblington School, Havant, and he also worked at the Avenue Tennis and Squash Club in the town.

Mr Manvell joined Warblington School in 1988 and retired 10 years later.

Headteacher Julia Vincent said: ''Mr Manvell retired from head of geography at Warblington School a number of years ago.

''Although I did not know him personally, he was well-known to the school community and has kindly donated a trophy for academic achievement in geography.

''We were saddened to hear of this tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family at this sad time.''

Paula Fuge, personnel manager for Portsmouth Tennis Academy, who knew Mr Manvell through the local tennis scene, said: ''He was a lovely guy.''

The inquest is being held at Portsmouth Guildhall.