A PENSIONER died in an accident as he tried to drive across a dual-carriageway, an inquest has head.

George Tinsley, 76, turned into the path of Andrew Blake's car while attempting to cross the A171 dual carriageway, near Guisborough.

The retired security guard had driven from his cottage in the grounds of nearby Pinchinthorpe Hall Hotel to meet his wife, Elsa, as she got off a bus from Middlesbrough.

PC Michael Woodhouse of Cleveland Police said: "It is apparent in this case George Tinsley made an error of judgement when he pulled out into the path of the oncoming vehicle.''

Mr Blake said: "I thought the car was going to continue across but realised too late that it was not going to cross, so I braked hard and in a split second realised I was going to hit the car and there was nothing I could do to avoid it.''

The inquest heard that Mr Tinsley had been drinking and although he was well below the drink-driving limit, his judgement could have been impaired by alcohol as well as his age.

The inquest also heard that Mr Tinsley had such severe coronary heart disease that death could have occurred at any time.

A verdict of accident was recorded.