An inquest into the death of a 23-year-old student from Maidstone, who was confirmed dead in the devastating Nepal earthquake last month, opened today.

The hearing into the death of Matt Carapiet, from Bearsted, was opened and adjourned at the Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone.

The architecture student, who was on a gap year travelling around Asia, died in Langtang valley during a week-long trek when the earthquake of 7.8 magnitude struck on April 25.

The short hearing heard Mr Carapiet died of multiple injuries. A date has not yet been fixed for the full inquest.

A fund set up in his memory has received an overwhelming response.

Launched last Wednesday, its aim was to raise £500 to help build a school in Cambodia which he had visited during his year backpacking.

But it has already tipped over £6,000 – and still has three weeks to go.

The project to build a school in Siem Reap is run by Self Help Community Centre charity, (SHCC), which helps disadvantaged children.

Mr Carapiet, a former St Simon Stock School pupil, had visited the site and helped build foundations.

He posted about the project on his blog, which his parents Jill and Greg, and sister Christina, 25, now treasure.

The money raised will be spent primarily on the raw materials for the school itself, as well as teachers’ salaries and subsidised school dinners for the children.

His sister Christina said: “We never expected to raise so much so quickly. We are touched that so many people have made such generous donations and we would like to thank everyone who has contributed, we truly appreciate it."

To donate, visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Mattcarapietfundraiser