A man who died after crashing during a New Year's Day pram race suffered a traumatic brain injury, an inquest heard.

Francis 'Titch' O'Sullivan was taking part in the race in Sutton Valence when the pram he was competing with hit the kerb and tipped over.

The 52-year-old was flown to King's College Hospital in London, but died the next day.

The Kent Messenger was unable to attend the inquest due to an "administrative error" by the coroner's office, who did not alert the press the hearing was taking place.

Chris Morris, assistant coroner for Mid Kent and Medway, ruled Titch's death was accidental, and was as a result of him sustaining a severe brain injury.

Mr O'Sullivan, of Turgis Close, Langley, sadly passed away in the afternoon of Monday, January 2.

He was a father-of-three, a son, brother and nephew, who had served as a tank driver in Iraq with Prince Harry's former regiment, the Blues and Royals.

A well-known face at the annual pram race event, this year he was competing in a homemade cart made to look like a Spitfire.

On Wednesday, March 22, organisers of the event, The Queen's Head Oddfellows Fund, planted a silver birch on the village green in Sutton Valence in Mr O'Sullivan's memory.

They also unveiled a plaque to commemorate his life.