A BUSINESSMAN has died from serious head injuries after falling from a ladder in a village near York.

David Elks was flown by Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopter from the village green in Upper Poppleton to Leeds General Infirmary, but died later at the hospital.

Mr Elks, who ran a local family firm, David Elks Windows, which carried out window and door repairs and replacements, was married to Debbie and had a daughter.

His family has paid tribute to him, saying in a statement: "At around lunchtime on Saturday May 3, David Elks was up a pair of ladders in the village of Poppleton when he tragically fell from the ladder.

"David was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance from the village green but sadly passed away later on that evening with his family beside him.

"Living and working in York for all of his life, David was a very well-known face in the city. He was a devoted family man who was always smiling and happy to help others."

City of York Councillor Ian Gillies, a customer and acquaintance of Mr Elks, said he was a well known and popular resident of Poppleton.

"Many of the villagers and beyond were his customers," he said. "His manner and professionalism always shone through. He loved life, especially his curries at the Bengal Brasserie in Poppleton, and he will be sorely missed.”

North Yorkshire Police said officers had been called after a man in his 50s had fallen from a ladder at a residential property in Beech Way, Upper Poppleton, suffering serious head injuries.

"Police are not treating the death as suspicious and will prepare a report for HM Coroner," said a spokeswoman.

An inquest is due to open into Mr Elks' death on Monday.