MYSTERY still surrounds the cause of an accident in which a 40-year-old man died on a Weardale road, despite an inquest hearing yesterday.

Robert Ian Davies died of multiple injuries sustained when his motorbike crashed on the B6278 road between Eggleston and Stanhope on Sunday, July 6.

Mr Davies, of Appletree Close, East Ardsley, West Yorkshire, had been with an advanced riding group when the accident occurred.

The inquest, at Bishop Auckland heard that he had been within sight of the other riders for most of the trip from Wetherby to Hadrian's Wall.

He had been out of sight for a brief spell when a colleague discovered his body next to his Y-registered Yamaha motorcycle on the grass verge, having smashed into a road sign.

Police accident investigators found nothing at the scene that might have caused the crash. Mr Davies was wearing contact lenses and the vehicle and protective clothing and helmet were in good condition.

Coroner Colin Penna, recording an accidental death verdict, said Mr Davies appeared to be a competent motorcyclist and although wildlife or discomfort from his contact lenses might have distracted him, it was impossible to say why he crashed.