A coroner has warned people to wear safety helmets when cycling.

He was speaking after recording a verdict of death by misadventure on a 28-year-old mountain biker who died after being catapulted over his handlebars.

Richard Treloar, of Bexhill Road, Eastbourne, was riding down a slope at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, on May 19 when he overbalance and landed on his head.

The hearing heard the shingle slope was more than 20ft high and popular with cyclists.

Mr Treloar was cycling with flatmate Martin Upton and a friend, David Richardson.

Mr Upton said: "I went up the mound and jumped off and then Dave jumped off. Rick came down the mound but his front wheel dropped down and it catapulted him over the bars on to his head.

"He was too far forward on the bike. I knew it was serious straight away and called for an ambulance."

He told coroner Alan Craze that none of the three friends had been wearing cycling helmets.

Mr Treloar, a cement mixer, was knocked unconscious by the fall.

He was taken to the district general hospital where he died from his injuries that day.

Recording a verdict of death by misadventure, Mr Craze said: "There is a very obvious lesson to be drawn from this tragedy.

"I would hope that adults and particularly parents take notice of it.

"It doesn't diminish pleasure or fun by wearing a helmet."