A coroner intends to write to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling warning about children using adult crash helmets following the death of an eight-year-old motorcycle passenger.

Sean Pearce-Weston was wearing an adult crash helmet which appeared to properly fit him as he rode pillion with his father's friend.

However, on collision with a car the helmet flew off Sean, leading to massive head injuries from which he later died.

Sussex Police crash investigator Inspector Mark Armstrong told an inquest yesterday that Sean may have survived had the helmet stayed on his head.

Mr Armstrong asked for adult helmets to have a warning against use by children.

East Sussex coroner Alan Craze said he would write to the Transport Secretary about the issue.

The Eastbourne inquest heard Sean was riding pillion on William Rhodes' 600cc Yamaha bike on the A27 Pevensey bypass near Eastbourne at 6.05pm on May 26 last year.

Mr Rhodes overtook a Ford Fiesta and a Ford Escort then indicated right to pull into a layby on the westbound side of the bypass.

However, as the bike was about half-way across the lane, Fiesta driver Photios Charalambous attempted to overtake the Escort.

It resulted in Mr Charalambous' Fiesta striking the back of the motorbike, leaving Sean - of Shanklin Close, Langney, Eastbourne - with critical injuries.

After first being admitted to the Eastbourne District General Hospital, Sean died the following day at King's College Hospital, London.

Mr Rhodes said earlier that day Sean had helped him renovate a bus. Afterwards, he decided to take Sean on a long route home to Eastbourne.

He said he had permission to take Sean from his father. And Mr Rhodes said he had indicated well in advance before attempting to turn into the layby.

Mr Charalambous, of St Helen's Park Road, Hastings, said he did not see the bike as he tried to overtake the Escort. He said: "I thought the motorbike was well on its way."

Mr Charambolous was fined £500 and banned from driving for three years in October after admitting driving without due care and attention at Eastbourne Magistrates Court.

Mr Armstrong said there was nothing illegal in Mr Rhodes taking Sean as a passenger.

And PC Julian Taylor said he maneouvered the bike correctly before trying to turn.

Mr Craze recorded a verdict of accidental death.