An inquest heard Adrian Gardner (44) collided with a lamp post and suffered massive head injuries after being thrown clear of his machine as it hit the kerb in Burnley Road, Altham.

Eye witness Mr Timothy Gowers told how seconds before the incident he had seen the tyres of the bike "twitching" as it crossed a white hatched area in the centre of the road.

"I realised straight away he was in trouble," said Mr Gowers, of Adamson Street, Burnley.

Mr Gardner, who lived in a caravan at Altham Hall Farm, Burnley Road, was riding towards Padiham shortly after mid-day on Saturday, October 4th. Mr Gowers was driving home from work when he saw the bike in his rear view mirror. He then saw it in his wing mirror and realised it was going to overtake.

Mr Gowers said he was doing about 45 m.p.h. and while the bike passed him he did not think it was travelling at excessive speed. He told the inquest how the crash unfolded in front of him.

"As I slowed he drifted across the road and hit the kerb," said Mr Gowers. "He put his foot down and I think he knew he was going to come off. He landed face down on the grass and then skidded into a lamp post. When he hit the lamp post his crash helmet shot off across the road and ended on the opposite side of the road."

Accident investigator PC Richard Roberts said there were no defects with the road surface or bike that would have contributed to the accident and the rider had simply lost control.

The medical cause of death was given as head injury and deputy coroner Carolyn Singleton recorded a verdict of accidental death.