A young man has told of his desperate attempt to rescue his best pal from a blazing car.

Jonathan Ayre told an inquest into the death of rising motorcycle trials star Chris Carter that he tried to undo the seatbelt of his unconscious friend and drag him out of the shattered windscreen after his car hit a lampost and burst into flames.

Mr Carter, 20, an apprentice plumber of Thorpe Lane, Tranmere Park, Guiseley, died on December 7 last year after his black Peugeot 309 GTi careered into a lamppost on Brownberrie Lane, Horsforth.

At the Leeds inquest witnesses described how Mr Carter reached speeds thought to be between 60mph and nearly 100mph to overtake two other cars, before slowing down and losing control.

Mr Ayre, a passenger in the Peugeot, said they were on their way home from Horsforth's Old Ball pub when the accident happened near Trinity and All Saints' College.

Mr Ayre said despite his efforts he was unable to save his friend.

Hugh Gumbs, travelling in a car which arrived moments after the accident, helped Mr Ayre out of the car as smoke poured out and led him to safety.

He said: "There was no way I could assist more because of the intensity of the fire."

Mr Carter's mother, Margaret, who was at the inquest, told Mr Gumbs: "I would like to thank you for trying to get Chris out."

Police accident investigator, Robert Crispin said heavy rain and a blocked drain meant a large part of Brownberrie Lane was covered with surface water. He believed that made Mr Carter lose control.

Consultant forensic pathologist Dr Susan Claydon said the alcohol level in Mr Carter's blood was well below the drink drive limit and a post-mortem found the cause of death was inhalation of fire fumes.

Coroner David Hinchliff recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Mr Carter had been a member of the Yeadon Guiseley District Motor Club since he was seven, was a Yorkshire Centre expert grade rider and had won several championships.