A metal detecting trip ended in tragedy, an inquest heard.

Scott Swanson, 18, and Grant Surgey, 42, died on the A29 Stane Street at Slinfold, near Horsham, after their vehicles collided at 7.09pm on October 14, 2007.

An inquest at Horsham Magistrates' Court heard Mr Swanson and two friends planned to use a metal detector in a nearby field.

Mr Swanson, a golf course greenkeeper, pulled his Vauxhall Corsa into a lay-by and was trying to drive to another one directly opposite.

Mr Surgey, a company director from Bolney Road, Ansty, near Haywards Heath, was driving his Honda motorbike when the car crossed in front of him. The impact of the collision caused the Vauxhall to turn over. Both men died from multiple injuries.

Benjamin James Griffin and Craig Davies were also in the Vauxhall.

Mr Griffin said: "He was driving very responsibly on the way. As far as I could see Scott's driving was perfect up until the accident."

But from the back of the car Mr Griffin saw a flickering headlight before the crash.

He said: "I definitely shouted that there was a bike coming."

Mr Davies, who was in the passenger seat, agreed Mr Griffin shouted to Mr Swanson, from Coombe Road, Southminster, Essex.

He said: "All I can remember is an almighty crash."

A pathology examination showed traces of cannabis in Mr Swanson's blood.

Coroner Dr David Skipp said there was no suggestion in the report that Mr Swanson was unfit to drive.

Mr Surgey's friend Robert John Evans, who was riding behind him at the time of the crash, said: "I was aware of a parked car in the lay-by but it wasn't moving.

"It looked stationary so there was no reason to be worried."

Recording a verdict of accidental death for both men Dr Skipp said: "It is not my intention to apportion blame."