TONY Sloane has spoken of the deep sorrow he feels for all the passengers on the Spring's coach his brother Chris was driving. He also wishes to thank all those who have been so kind to the family.

Most of all, however, he wanted to impress on people the importance of wearing seat belts. Mr Sloane said: "Since hearing the evidence, I will never travel on a coach again without wearing my seat belt. It was frightening to hear what a significant difference wearing seat belts would have made. Lives may have been saved and injuries almost certainly would have been less serious."

Chris Sloane's in-laws have spoken of their son-in-laws dedication to his job, and distress at statements during the inquest.

David and Marjorie, still in grief also over the death of their daughter Karen, were too distressed to attend the inquest, but were upset when they read comments.

Mr Fletcher said: "In all the 25 years that Chris has been driving I have never known him to have an accident.

"He loved his job, which took him all over the country and abroad. He was also a very kind, loving son-in-law and excellent husband to Karen and father to the children."

Mr Fletcher said that a close friend of Karen's is currently looking after the couple's orphaned children, Anne and Steven.

He said: "Although we are the legal guardians, Karen and her friend had made pact that if anything happened to them they would look after their respective children. We thought it was best to respect their wishes."