An inquest is to resume today into the deaths of two Hampshire men in a helicopter crash while on a fishing trip in Russia.

Mark Robertson and Rupert Beaumont, both 69 and from Mattingley in Hampshire, died after they alighted from the Eurocopter which then crashed on take-off in the Murmansk region of northern Russia on July 21 last year.

Mr Beaumont, believed to have been a corporate lawyer, and Mr Robertson, thought to have been a fine art dealer, were reportedly on a fishing expedition.

Their Russian guide, named as Alexander Tushnikov, a specialist in fishing trips to the Arctic north of Russia, also died in the accident.

The helicopter's pilot, who survived the accident, was reported to have been Alexander Shabalin - a man with 25 years of flying experience.

A statement released by relatives of the two Britons said: ''Both families are devastated by (the) tragic news. Both men will be deeply missed by their families and many friends.''

Christopher Saul, a partner at law firm Slaughter and May, paid tribute to his friend and former colleague Mr Beaumont, who retired as a senior partner in the company in 2001.

Mr Saul he said: ''This is the most tragic news. Rupert was with the firm for over 30 years and built a hugely successful practice.

''He was admired by colleagues and clients alike for his wonderful legal skills, his creativity, his grace under pressure and his warmth and charm. He will be enormously missed and our hearts go out to his family.''

The inquest will be held in Basingstoke by North Hampshire Coroner Andrew Bradley.