A young boy died after colliding with a car while racing his friend on his bike, an inquest heard yesterday.

Jack Clare came off his bike as he played near his home in Acklam, Middlesbrough, last August.

The eight-year-old, of Hatfield Avenue, died the following day in the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough. He never regained consciousness.

Jack's parents, Karen and Ian, were too upset to attend the inquest at Teesside Coroners' Court, but made a statement.

"Jack was a beautiful and special boy, loved by all his family and friends. He was, and always will be, adored by us both and his brother, Liam," they said.

"He touched so many lives in his short life and gave so much love and joy to those around him that he will be in their hearts forever."

The inquest was told that the youngster was racing with his friend, Scott Gammage, when he came out of the junction of Ridley Avenue and Hardwick Avenue and hit a Citroen Saxo, being driven by James Povey.

"He just bounced off the car, that was all I saw. He was on the side of the road, but I didn't see him fall," Scott told police. "He was laid down and he was still conscious and he was still breathing and everything."

An ambulance took Jack to hospital, but medics were unable to revive him. He was declared dead the following day.

Pathologist Munstansir Nurbhai said the youngster died of severe head injuries.

He said: "He would have know nothing at all about the injury because he would have fallen unconscious almost straightaway."

The driver of the car, who was travelling at 23mph, was interviewed by police officers but no charges were brought.

Assistant deputy coroner Gordon Hetherington recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He said: "I think Jack didn't see the car in time, the driver didn't see him until the last second, both did their best to avoid each other.