THE family of the pony and trap driver killed in a hit-and-run incident are to bury their loved one tomorrow.

Wayne Walker, 33, of Springwell Village, Washington, Wearside, died in a collision with a Honda Accord car on the A182 Washington Highway on Sunday, April 6.

The driver of the car fled the scene, leaving Mr Walker's grieving family unable to arrange the funeral while police carried out an investigation.

The family were able to go ahead with arrangements after an inquest was opened and adjourned by Sunderland coroner Martin Shaw.

The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village, followed by burial in the church cemetery.

The accident happened when the car, carrying four occupants, was in collision with the pony and trap. Mr Walker, an experienced horseman, was thrown from the trap into the road. He suffered multiple injuries and was certified dead at the scene. His horse was badly injured and had to be destroyed.

A 26-year-old Sunderland man handed himself in to police last week and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was released on police bail.

A 17-year-old Sunderland girl in the car suffered a hip injury.

Two others in the Honda, a 20-year-old man and a woman, 19, were arrested and questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They were later released on police bail.