A disabled pensioner, who died after his electric wheelchair was involved in an accident with a coach, had already inspired a campaign for road safety improvements.

Robert Rickaby, 66, known as Bob to friends in Catterick, North Yorkshire, suffered multiple injuries in the accident on Monday afternoon.

The former shopkeeper and enthusiastic member of the village amateur dramatic society was taken to the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, but he died early yesterday morning.

Parish and district councillor Tony Pelton said Mr Rickaby's trips into the countryside had prompted concern in Catterick about access for the disabled.

"People who use wheelchairs do find themselves restricted," said Councillor Pelton. "Some of the roads around the area are hazardous and, where there are no pavements or dropped kerbs, wheelchair-users are forced to take to the roads."

Catterick Community Investment Partnership spokeswoman Melva Steckles said the Richmondshire Disability Action Group had just visited the village at the weekend to assess the problems for wheelchair-users.

"It was seeing Bob and others in electric wheelchairs which gave us the idea of a campaign to improve access for the disabled," she said.

An inquest into Mr Rickaby's death is expected to open today. A North Yorkshire County Council spokesman said the authority would be keen to study the findings once investigations are complete.

"If there is anything which can be learned from this tragedy, the authority would be willing to look at any possible safety measures," he said.

Anyone who may have seen the coach or Mr Rickaby in his wheelchair shortly before the collision, on the minor road between Catterick and Tunstall at about 3pm on Monday, or who may have helped at the scene, is asked to telephone police on (01609) 789334.