A CYCLIST heading home from a New Year's Day drinking session was killed on a country road, an inquest heard.

Window cleaner Kevin Frater, 38, of Whitehouse Court, Ushaw Moor, near Durham, was in collision with a car near Ushaw College.

He died of severe head injuries sustained in the accident.

The inquest heard that Mr Frater cycled to a Tow Law pub for a drink with friends and then took a taxi to a club at Wolsingham.

Later that evening he returned to Tow Law to pick up his bike and ride home.

Friend Steven Suddes, of Tow Law, said Mr Frater drank five or six pints but did not seem drunk.

The inquest also heard that tests revealed that Mr Frater, who was wearing a fluorescent jacket but no helmet, was three times over the drink drive limit for motorists.

North Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded a verdict of accidental death.

* Ryan Moralee, 21, of Langley Park, will appear at Consett magistrates tomorrow charged with failing to stop after an accident, failing to report it, careless driving and having no insurance in connection to the accident.