A RETIRED loader killed by his runaway car has been hailed a hero who fought to avoid disaster and injury to others.

Thomas Edmond Steal Maxwell, 57, had apparently been trying to jump start his Rover vehicle when it went out of control on a steep hill, crossed a busy main road and ended in the garage of a house.

An inquest heard Mr Maxwell kept hold of the steering wheel, although he could have let go.

He died of multiple injuries after smashing into the gate post at the property but nobody else was hurt.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Acting East Lancs Coroner Richard Taylor said Mr Maxwell made heroic attempts to steer the car and his death was the result of a tragic set of circumstances.

He said Mr Maxwell could have thrown himself clear but more injuries or accidents may have been caused if he had.

The hearing, at Rawtenstall Town Hall, was told Glasgow-born Mr Maxwell, of Cherry Crescent, Rawtenstall, died in Bury General Hospital last September.

Frank Bell, of Redwood Drive, Rawtenstall, said he he had been walking into town and saw the white Rover at the top of Cherry Tree Lane, facing downhill.

He said the car was stopped and there was a man half in and half out of it, with his hands on the steering wheel.

Mr Bell said the man was standing next to his car and looked as if he was trying to jump start it.

He told the hearing the Rover "shot off" and went straight across Bury Road but the man did not let go of the wheel.

Mr Bell said the man's legs were going so fast he must have been doing about 50mph. The car then went between the gatepost of a house in Bury Road. Mr Maxwell hit a post.