A DAY trip to North Wales ended in tragedy when a motorcyclist died when he was thrown from his machine after hitting a kerb.

Wirral coroner's court heard that David Johnson, a builder who lived in the Walton area of Liverpool, was returning home after a day out with friends. He was travelling along Willaston Road, Raby, shortly before the incident took place on February 27 this year.

The court heard that Mr Johnson appeared to lose control of the bike, a Decca Honda VRF750cc, and it hit the kerb. Emergency services were called and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 2.40pm.

A post-mortem carried out by Dr Ranjala Seneviriatne at Arrowe Park Hospital showed that he had died as a result of fracture dislocation of the spine.

Peter Growcoot, a friend of Mr Johnson's and a fellow motorcyclist on the day, said Mr Johnson had only recently passed his motorcycle test and for someone of his experience, was very competent.

Mr Johnson worked for Mr Growcoot's building firm and was well-respected by his colleagues, the court heard.

There was no suggestion that Mr Johnson was speeding.

Wirral coroner Christopher Johnson recorded a verdict of accidental death.