A CORONER yesterday recorded an accident verdict on the death of a North Yorkshire man in India nearly four years ago.

Christopher Gill, 28, of Hookstone Chase, Harrogate, was one of four British backpackers in the rear of a Land Rover involved in a collision with a truck on their return to their hotel from a camel safari in March, 1999.

The group, their driver and another Indian passenger were all hurt in the collision. But Mr Gill suffered serious head injuries and died later in hospital in Jaisalmer.

An inquest in Harrogate was told both drivers were subsequently charged, although neither trial went ahead.

Nonetheless, survivor Ian Lawrence told coroner Geoff Fell the four friends had commented on how fast the Land Rover was travelling just before the collision.

"The tyres screeched as we went round one corner, but that's just par for the course. Everyone drives like that over there,'" he said.

Mr Gill's family were critical of the Foreign Office, who they claimed showed little interest in their loss or the subsequent difficulties they had to endure.

Recording his verdict, Mr Fell pointed out his decision did not preclude any civil action the family may wish to take.

However, he also emphasised his comments should not be taken as encouragement.