The death of a pregnant woman and her baby was an accident, an inquest ruled.

Georgina Heathfield, 26, of Poveys Close, Burgess Hill, was seven months pregnant when she lost control of her car on a bend and smashed into an oncoming car.

She was taken to hospital but died despite emergency surgery.

Doctors tried to save her baby, Jasper, who was born by Caesarean section but he died in hospital an hour after being delivered.

The accident happened when Miss Heathfield's Suzuki Swift was involved in a collision with a Ford Mondeo in Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill on Tuesday, July 1.

Crawley firefighters cut her from the wreckage and she was taken by ambulance to the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath.

Mid Sussex coroner Barry Markham said he had written to the hospital praising the staff for their efforts in trying to save Miss Heathfield and her baby.

The driver of the Ford, Richard Mills, who was on his way home from work, was treated for slight head injuries.

Mr Mills's voice faltered as he said: "Georgina's car was coming round the corner and before I knew it, she was on my side of the road. I have no idea why it happened."

Mr Harwood said he was satisfied Mr Mills, who braked fiercely but was unable to turn and avoid the oncoming car, was not at fault.

He said a number of factors could have led to Miss Heathfield losing control, including a slippery road surface due to recent rain.

The inquest heard the written evidence of lorry driver Roy Hames, who said Miss Heathfield's car was being driven safely.

Her parents, Edith and Humphrey Heathfield, from Sevenoaks, were at the inquest with her boyfriend Daniel Cox.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Roger Stone said he did not think anyone was to blame.

He said: "My instinct is that this was just an unfortunate accident.

"I am satisfied everything possible was done to try and save the life of Georgina and her son Jasper. I am entirely satisfied that this happened as a result of one or all of a number of minor errors which we could all make.

The coroner added: "No castigation or criticism should be placed on the other driver."