A COUPLE may take legal action against a driver who was involved in an accident that killed their two children.

In a statement issued to the press on Monday, Alison and Steve Brooker said they were disappointed that Richard Beal would not face charges.

On Friday a coroner had ruled that the crash which killed the couple's two children - Alexander and Niamh - had been a dreadful accident.

"I can't begin to imagine the agony of having to sit through this inquiry," said Nicholas Rheinberg as he recorded verdicts of accidental death.

But on Monday the couple's lawyers warned of possible future action. "This (the verdict) now leaves the way clear for Mr and Mrs Brooker to consider their various legal options against the driver involved," said Carol Jackson, head of personal injury at Manchester law firm Pannone and Partners.

Alexander, 8, and Niamh, 5, were killed when their mother's Fiat Punto was involved in a collision with Mr Beal's car in Cann Lane, Aston-by-Budworth, as she drove them to school on December 5.

The inquest heard how Mrs Brooker, of Wrenshot Lane, High Legh, had hit a patch of ice seconds before the crash.

After Friday's inquest at Macclesfield Town Hall, the Brookers said they were relieved it was over, but said their suffering would go on.

"The tragic and unnecessary loss of our two precious children has had, and will continue to have, a devastating effect on our lives," they said.