Much-loved Andrea Fairchild, 45, of Thorne Road died of multiple injuries in the horror smash on 10th August last year, a Nottingham inquest heard on Tuesday.

Tragedy struck when the silver Suzuki Swift she was travelling in collided with a red Peugeot 306 on the A614 Bawtry Road between Blyth and Bawtry.

Mrs Fairchild's mother's partner of 17 years, Joseph Foote, who she has since married, was driving the Suzuki at the time but has no recollection of what happened that day.

Tearful and visibly distressed Mr Foote, 76, appeared before Nottingham deputy coroner, Martin Gotheridge, but has no recollection of the day of the crash.

"I don't remember anything. I don't even remember getting in my car," he said.

Notts Police crash site expert, Paul McLaughlin, stated that the right-hand turn performed by Mr Foote had been 'negligent' driving.

Mrs Fairchild's husband, David, was at the inquest with two of his daughters, Carly, 20, and Lauren, 21. A third daughter, 18-year-old Suzannah, was not at the hearing.

"I nor my family bear any grudges towards anyone in the death of my wife. We know that Joseph would never have hurt her intentionally," he said.

"We would like to thank everyone who attended the scene of the accident and the support and love we have been given by friends since. Andrea was dearly loved and will be very sadly missed."

Deputy coroner Martin Gotheridge recorded a verdict of 'accidental death', saying: "A loss like this in such tragic circumstances is always difficult but it is not made easier when there is no real answer as to why it happened."