A MAN was crushed to death in a freak accident as he worked on his beloved car after it broke down, an inquest heard.

And his heartbroken family have spoken of the devastating affect the accident has had.

Father-of-three John Cornforth, 66, pulled over to the side of the road when his son-in-law, driving the vehicle in front, discovered a problem with his car.

Phil Manton driving Mr Cornforth's red classic Mark II Ford Escort, parked the car before Mr Cornforth pulled up in his silver Vauxhall Vectra a short distance behind in Wolviston Road, Billingham.

With hazard lights on, Mr Manton ushered passing cars past as his father-in-law began investigating the problem.

A Citroen C1, driven by an 83year-old, hit the Vectra, crushing the grandfather between the two vehicles.

Mr Cornforth, of Braemar Road, Billingham, was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, where he died from his injuries in August last year.

Mr Manton told Teesside Coroners Court that he saw a car coming towards him and despite him waving frantically to warn the driver, the Citroen C1 ploughed into the rear of the Vectra.

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Speaking after the hearing Mr Cornforths son, Ian said: "This was a complete tragedy and something that would probably never happen again. The family never blamed the other driver and never wanted anything to happen to him.

"I would like to take this opportunity to ask people to not work on cars that break down on the road at the end of the day they are pieces of metal and a lost life can never be replaced."