The death of a nine-year-old schoolboy hit by a car outside his home was a tragic accident, an inquest heard.

Philip Holmes died in the Manchester Children’s Hospital on March 23 after stepping out between a parked Transit van and car in Station Road, Huncoat just yards from his home.

The inquest heard from his mum Judith who said he had been playing outside on the day at about 5pm.

She said: "He was on Station Road with some of his friends and I think he had been there from about 3.30pm when he came home from school.

"I saw him at about 5.10pm and told him it was time for his tea. I then went into the house.

"My youngest daughter then came and told me he had been knocked down."

East Lancashire Coroner Michael Singleton asked if he was normally sensible when crossing the road.

Mrs Holmes said: "He was mostly sensible, but sometimes he would forget himself and run across the road."

The inquest also heard from George Dodds, the driver of the Ford Focus which was in collision with Philip on the road.

Reading out a statement to the hearing, Mr Dodds said: "I had been driving over Whinney Hill when I got to a level crossing with the gates down.

"Once I set off from there, I was following a black car doing about 20mph or so. Suddenly a small child ran out in front of me and I didn’t have time to brake.

"He seemed to tumble through the air and I got out of the car. I said he had just run out in front of me and that there was nothing I could do.

"His mother was there straight away calling him by his name and someone phoned for an ambulance."

The inquest also heard that Mr Dodds had been travelling within the speed limit and that his car and the road surface had no defects.

Mr Dodds added: "What happened was the worst moment of my life. It was a nightmare."

Philip lived in Station Road with his mum and sisters Madeleina, 18, Emily, 17, and Ruby, 11.

His family also includes grandparents Jean and Les Holmes, and 21 cousins.

Mr Singleton recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He said: "As a parent myself I can only imagine the grief you must feel.

"What I say to you Mrs Holmes, is do not let the tears of grief wash away nine glorious years of happiness you have spent together. Please do not allow them to be tainted with sadness.

"To you, Mr Dodds I say do not destroy yourself with grief. There are many ‘If onlys’ in life and if we allow them they can ruin all the good things there are in life.

"There are many victims in this case and I offer my condolences and sympathies to everyone who has been affected by this matter."