A grandfather was driving his teenage grandson to play in a football game when a train struck them at a level crossing, an inquest has heard.

William Hallett, 15, and 71-year-old Barry Hearnshaw died at the scene after the collision at Barns Green, near Horsham, West Sussex, on Saturday morning on February 17 last year.

The Kia Rio car was hit by a train travelling at 73 mph, at 8.38 am, which was less than 10 minutes after the pair had set off on their journey, West Sussex Coroner’s Court heard on Thursday.

Opening the hearing, in which a jury was sworn, coroner Penelope Schofield said the family had “strong views” on the matter and the jury needed to consider the evidence closely.

Several relatives were present at the hearing, in which a family statement was read.

It said: “We want to make it very clear as a family we don’t believe in any way Barry would consciously put the life of himself and his grandson at risk at any point.

“Barry was definitely not a driver to take chances.

“He spent many days at the weekend watching Will play sport – it was one of his favourite activities.”

Relatives have described Will as a “handsome, intelligent and extremely active” teenager who loved football, was a Chelsea Football Club fan and wanted to be a pilot.

He played for Horsham Sparrows and attended Tanbridge House School.

Mr Hearnshaw has been remembered as a “devoted” husband and father who dedicated himself to charity work after retiring as a headmaster.