witnesses have described seeing two drivers racing each other just before a crash in which a man was killed.

Raymond Thompson, 51, was struck as he crossed Acklam Road, in Middlesbrough, by a Rover MG ZR driven by Daniel Hope.

Hope, 20, of Tunstall Road, Stockton, admitted causing death by dangerous driving on August 16 last year, but his co-accused, James Hemblade, denies the same charge and is on trial at Teesside Crown Court.

The prosecution's said Mr Hemblade, 21, of Hutton Road, Middlesbrough, had been racing against Hope in his Peugeot 106 at speeds of between 50mph and 70mph.

Motorist Anthony James said he saw Mr Hemblade driving at about 60mph with the Rover driven by Hope immediately behind him.

He said the Rover pulled out and tried to overtake the Peugeot while they were both travelling at between 60mph and 70mph.

Mr James was asked by Christopher Attwooll, prosecuting, to describe the way the cars were being driven.

He said: "It was stupid. They were doing at least double the speed limit and it was obviously quite dangerous.

"It looked to me like they were racing."

Another motorist, Peter Chambers, who was passed by the two cars in Acklam Road, said both vehicles were being driven recklessly before the crash.

Drinkers in the nearby Master Coopers pub also described seeing the two cars speeding past on a road which has a 30mph speed limit.

Witness David Hughes said that two or three seconds later, the cars were out of sight and there was a loud bang.

The defence is expected to begin its case today.