A COACH driver has been praised for preventing more injuries, during an accident on the outskirts of York which claimed the life of a pensioner.

Deputy York coroner Jonathan Leach made the comments at the inquest of 90-year-old Thornton-le-Dale man Fred Leeson.

Mr Leeson died just after 4.30pm on November 29 last year, when his Rover car collided with a coach carrying college students and driven by John Hills of Riccall.

"I would like to thank Mr Hills for the manner in which he controlled the coach. If it had not been for his skills there would have been more injuries," Mr Leach said.

Yesterday's (Wednesday) inquest heard that Mr Leeson's vehicle collided with the coach on the eastbound A64 near the A19 slip road. Mr Leeson's car had turned right from the slip road, back onto the dual carriageway, when the accident happened.

Mr Hills made sure all the students on his coach were uninjured before getting out to help make the crash scene safe, the inquest heard.

A statement from Mr Hills said that he had picked students up from two York colleges on the day of the crash, and was driving along the A64 towards Scarborough.

"I noticed a car, the only one ahead of me, and it was pulling out.

"I indicated right to pull out into the right hand lane. The car then veered sharply into my path.

"I was braking, and locked the rear wheels. The impact was so great it forced the coach into the barrier and the car onto the slip road."

The inquest heard the cause of Mr Leeson's death had been confirmed as "multiple injuries". Blood and urine samples showed the level of alcohol in his system was well within the legal limit.

Tadcaster-based police accident investigator David Foster told the inquest that evidence gathered from Mr Leeson's car after the crash indicated he was turning right when it happened.

The car was in first gear, a speed of just 10mph was on the speedometer and "full right-hand lock" was on the steering wheel, TC Foster said.

He added: "I believe the Rover was attempting to turn right off the slip road against the traffic of the A64."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Leach said: "There can be no other verdict."

Afterwards, an emotional Mr Hills said: "I'm glad the inquest is over but what happened has stayed with me.

"Though I'm back at work, every night when I get home safely it is a relief for me.

"The verdict is right. I don't see how there could be any other."

Updated: 09:11 Thursday, December 06, 2001