A GRIEVING girlfriend has spoken of a conversation with her boyfriend, seconds before the horrific road accident which claimed his life.

Elizabeth Susan Thompson, who was seriously injured in the accident, was giving evidence at an inquest into the death of 30-year-old Blackburn-born teacher Gordon Walker, just after 8pm on Saturday, February 1.

The couple had been travelling along Blackburn Road, Rishton, in a F-registered Vauxhall Nova driven by Miss Thompson, 28, of Hope Street, Great Harwood.

She overtook another vehicle and swerved into the path of an on-coming car. There was a head-on collision.

Both Miss Thompson and Mr Walker were cut free by emergency crews but he died from multiple injuries.

"I said to Gordon 'I think I will overtake this car' and he agreed," explained Miss Thompson, also a teacher.

"I looked in my mirror to make sure it was safe and the next thing I remember is Gordon touching the steering wheel."

Nine other witnesses gave evidence at the hearing including David Evans, of Tucker Hill, Clitheroe, whose Honda Accord was involved in the collision.

The advanced motorist, who police believe escaped with minor injuries because of the air bags and other safety devices in his car, described how he saw a convoy of cars in the distance and watched as the Nova overtook another vehicle, then pulled back in sharply - too close to the kerb.

The car made a "twitching" movement and veered across the road into his path, causing a violent crash.

Specialist accident investigation police officer Stephen John Wilson was commended for his thorough report, which concluded that the accident was probably caused due to "over correction" on the part of the driver when she was carrying out the overtaking manoeuvre.

East Lancashire coroner Andre Rebello recorded a verdict of accidental death on Mr Walker, of Timberhurst, Bury.

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