A well-known Gorleston music teacher was killed as she crossed the road while walking home from the beach, an inquest heard.

Hazel Watson, 83, was hit by a car on the B1173 Middleton's Road on November 24, 2011, with the driver claiming that he failed to see her.

But police investigators told the hearing that driver David Cole would have had 'ample' time to see Mrs Watson as she crossed slowly near the junction with Gloucester Avenue.

At a court hearing in December, Cole, 68, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was given a £300 fine and 12-month driving disqualification.

Yesterday, Norfolk coroner William Armstrong recorded that Mrs Watson, of University Crescent, died as a result of a road accident.

Oncoming drivers reported seeing Mrs Watson looking straight ahead and 'shuffling' across the road, and slowed in anticipation.

But driver Matthew Penson said he could tell Cole had not seen Mrs Watson, adding: 'I flashed my lights at the last minute, but I knew that he would hit her.'

Forensic collision investigator Pc Simon Hall said that Mrs Watson would have been visible to Cole for six seconds as he travelled at between 30mph and 32mph – time enough for him 'to recognise and react'.

He added: 'Why he failed to do so remains unexplained.'

Her daughters paid tribute, saying said their mother was a well-known figure who taught piano up to her death, had helped set up the Gorleston St Andrews Festival, and was part of Great Yarmouth Choral Society.

'The most important thing in her life was music,' said Julie Sutherland. 'She was a woman of great determination.'