AN inquest has heard how a Chorley teenager died when the car he was a passenger in lost control on a bend and collided with a tree.

The Preston hearing was told that Thomas Duffy,17, of Hornchurch Drive, had to be cut free from the wreckage of a Vauxhall Nova.

It was driven by his friend, Lee Calderbank, who had only passed his driving test three months before.

The inquest heard the 'J' registered Nova was unroadworthy and should not have passed its MOT test. The defects, however, were not contributory to the accident, the inquest was told.

Mr Calderbank, of Wymundsley, Astley Village told police that after the accident, in New Road, Heath Charnock, at about 1am on August 5, he was unconsicious for a week and suffered memory loss. "As a result of this horrendous accident my best friend has died," he told police.

He added:"I have to live with this for the rest of my life. I'm sorry for the pain and heartache it has caused for everyone concerned."

Accident investigation officer PC Michael Bentley told the inquest the Nova had lost control on a left-hand bend, collided with the kerb, mounted a grass verge and hit a tree.

Recording an accidental death verdict, County Coroner Mr Howard McCann said there was no question of the car racing.

He said it was unlikely there would be any criminal proceedings.