A WINYATES Green teenager died of "catastrophic brain injuries" after a collision with a car, an inquest heard.

Nicholas Andrews, of Prestbury Close, died on the evening of February 9 after he hit the front of a Seat Toledo on the A435 Birmingham Road in Mappleborough Green.

Warwickshire Coroner, Michael Coker, said Nicholas, 17, and a friend, Daniel Cartwright, had been drinking alcohol in nearby woodland.

The inquest heard that the friends bought food at about 8pm from a shop near the Dog Inn before making their way back to the woods.

Daniel, 17, said Nicholas was walking along a grass verge on the opposite side of the road.

He said: "Suddenly I heard a thud and the screech of a car and I saw Nicholas in the air."

Driver Lee Knowles was travelling from Gloucester for a friend's wedding in Studley the following day.

He said: "Something hit the windscreen and I didn't see where it came from. I slammed on the brakes and swerved."

Nicholas did not regain consciousness and died later at the Alexandra Hospital's A&E department at 10.50pm.

Mr Coker said his blood alcohol levels were the equivalent of more than three times the legal drink drive limit.

Anaesthetist Anne Sutcliffe said given the severity of Nicholas' injuries, his death was inevitable.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Coker said: "Mr Knowles would have had great difficulty in avoiding the collision and we cannot attribute blame."

Turning to Nicholas' parents he added: "The loss of a son is a tragedy and I hope you can comfort one another. You have my deepest sympathy."