A FINANCIAL advisor late for an appointment died when his car came off a country road and hit a tree.

David Cook, 37, who worked for the Co-operative Bank, was due to meet a client at his Durham office but was delayed by a doctor's appointment.

An inquest heard he twice rang the office to say he was running late. Colleague Cara Campbell said the second call was probably from a mobile phone but could not tell if he was travelling at the time.

"He said 'I'll try to make it in 15 minutes'. He was laughing. I think he intended to get back as soon as he possibly could.''

Accident investigator PC Paul Smithson said Mr Cook's new Peugeot 406 mounted a grass verge in Elemore Lane, between Easington Lane and High Pittington, before crossing the road, after a sharp bend.

It flipped on to its side and the roof hit the tree square on.

PC Smithson said the car was doing about 60mph and tyre marks indicated Mr Cook was trying to get off the verge. "It is a country area and there is wildlife. Perhaps something ran across the road or jumped out. It is an area known for deer." No other vehicle was involved in the accident in August.

Mr Cook, married, of Phelp Street Street, South Hetton, died of severe head injuries.

Verdict: accidental death.