A WOMAN broke down in tears as she spoke of how she survived a car accident in which two drivers died.

Kerry Patricia Clarke travelled from Glasgow to give evidence into the inquest of Geoffrey Donaldson, 57, who died when his Astra van was in collision with a Vauxhall Vectra car on the A66, at Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, in October last year.

Miss Clarke told Deputy Coroner Brenda Davidson that the red Astra van driven by Mr Donaldson, of the Wynd, Bowes, near Barnard Castle, was overtaking her on a single carriageway and she had to brake to let him back into the lane.

She said: "I was aware of traffic coming towards me. I braked to let the driver come back in. As he was trying to come back in, he collided with another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. All I can remember is my vehicle stopping.''

Another witness, Susan Walker, told the Bishop Auckland inquest how she saw Mr Donaldson's van overtaking Miss Clarke's car.

She said the van tried to pull back in but hit the Vauxhall Vectra, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

Christopher Laidlaw, the 44-year-old driver of the Vectra also died in the accident.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded. An inquest into Mr Laidlaw's death will be held at a later date.