TWO elderly people who suffered from heart problems died as a result of the trauma of a car accident, a coroner ruled yesterday.

Peter Chrystal, 93, died when a car collided with his Volvo as he pulled out of his son's farm at Wingate, County Durham, on to the A181.

Mr Chrystal - a former county chairman of the National Farmers' Union - was captain of Castle Eden Golf Club and was due to host the club's annual awards night two hours after the accident, at about 4.45pm on October 29, last year.

Joan Vasey, 74, a passenger in the other car, a Renault Clio, died in hospital several days later, after being treated for injuries.

The serious health problems that both victims suffered were significant in their deaths, yesterday's inquest was told.

Pathologist Dr Douglas Maloney said that both victims had such severe health problems that they could have suffered a heart attack at any time.

The inquest, held at Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court, was told that it was unclear whether Mr Chrystal's car was moving slowly out of the junction when the collision occurred, but accident investigators ruled that would not have made a significant difference.

Mr Chrystal's daughter, Jean Campbell, told the inquest how her father had been warned he should wear glasses for driving, but they were found in their case after the accident.

Mrs Vasey's husband, Frederick, was driving at about 60mph along the A181 as the couple made their way home to Durham.

"I stood on the brakes as hard as I possibly could, but there was nowhere I could go. It was a heavy collision," he said.

Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded a verdict of accidental death for both Mr Chrystal and Mrs Vasey, adding: "There was significant natural disease present in both these people, and it is possible their deaths were precipitated by the trauma suffered as a result of the road traffic accident."