A VERDICT of accidental death has been recorded on 11-year-old Marc Taylor, who was killed in a high-speed crash.

A rally car skidded into a crowd of spectators during the Cheviot Rally in Otterburn, Northumberland, on February 13 last year.

The inquest, at Hexham, Northumberland, heard that the car rolled up an earth mound upon which a number of rally fans had taken a vantage point to watch the early stages of the rally.

Among them was Marc, of Ennerdale Gardens, Winlaton, Gateshead, who was at the rally to cheer on his father, Neil. Other members of the family were also injured in the accident.

Coroner for South Northumberland, Brian Gallon said it was highly ironic that Marc and his family had been moved from another viewing point which marshals thought was unsafe.

He urged motor sport organisations to take a close look at future safety of rallies.

The coroner refused to blame marshals for the tragedy, but said: "Most motor sport is an inherently risky business, if it was not then it wouldn't be exciting."