A TRAIN driver travelling at around 70mph has described the horrifying moment he struck a pensioner who had walked on to the line to rescue his beloved dog.

George David Boycott, known as Dave, died of multiple injuries immediately after the tragic accident at the Lower Howsell foot crossing, Malvern, an inquest was told.

Richard Barnes, the driver of the Droitwich to Malvern train, had just passed under a road bridge at around 1.30pm when he saw a large German Shepherd dog walk on to a public footpath which crossed the railway line.

He slammed on the brakes and sounded his horn, but soon afterwards saw 73-year-old Mr Boycott, of Matthias Close, Malvern, come on to the footpath and the tracks in a "state of panic".

"There was nothing I could do to stop striking him," he told yesterday's hearing at Stourbridge County Court.

Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round told the court how Mr Barnes' story was confirmed by an investigator from the British Transport Police.

David Emmot said the train was travelling at around 70 miles an hour when the driver saw Mr Boycott move "stiffly and slowly" on to the tracks after his dog, Shanty.

"The driver kept the brakes on as he bore down on them, and he was quite unable to stop from that distance," he said.

Mr Boycott, who used to be the landlord of the Prince of Wales pub in Malvern, was identified by firefighters who knew him following the accident on Sunday, May 27 this year.

While recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Victor Round said he was concerned over the foot crossing across the train tracks at Lower Howsell - especially as it is close to playing fields.

"I know the family have expressed concern over the crossing, particularly as it is next to a playing fields and is constantly used by children to get to and from them," he said. "It makes me thoughtful so I want to look at it and take it to the proper authorities.

"We can't ban all adults from using crossings but one near a playing field does make me quite thoughtful."