One of the two men killed on a Prudhoe road after their vehicles were in a head-on collision was three times over the limit, an inquest has heard.

Brian Wilson (61) of Crawcrook, who was riding a motorbike, and Albert Mitchinson (90) of Ryton, who was driving a Honda Jazz, both died after the crash on the A695 Prudhoe bypass shortly before 12pm on October 6 last year.

An inquest into their deaths was held in Hebburn on March 21.

The inquest heard that tests showed Mr Wilson, who had been travelling west, had been three times over the legal drink-drive limit at the time.

Coroner Terence Carney recorded a “narrative” ruling, stating that Mr Wilson had crossed into the eastbound carriageway, where his motorcycle collided head-on with the Honda Jazz that was being driven eastbound by Albert Mitchinson.

The inquest heard that Mr Wilson suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The inquest was also told that Mr Mitchinson survived the collision, but was trapped inside his vehicle.

Mr Carney said: “He had suffered extensive injuries as a result of the collision.

“Emergency services attended and released him from the vehicle.

“He was conveyed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, but suffered a cardiac arrest due to his injuries and was confirmed dead at the RVI.”

For Mr Mitchinson, the coroner ruled that he died from “extensive injuries and trauma sustained as the victim of a road traffic collision.”

The Prudhoe bypass section of the A695 was closed for more than six hours after the crash, and family and friends of the two men left floral tributes at the scene.