TWO motorists have admitted causing the death of a 62-year-old furniture worker by dangerous driving.

Citroen Saxo driver Stephen Shackleton says he was racing through the streets of Darwen with Ashley Black's Vauxhall Corsa when Thomas Bury was killed outside the Black Horse pub, Redearth Road, in November 2005.

But Black, then 18, whose Corsa struck the much-loved grandfather denied the pair were engaged in "competitive driving".

Shackleton, of Ribble Avenue, Darwen, could now give evidence against Black later this year.

Prosecutor David Pickup told Preston Crown Court that part of Black's plea that he was not racing Shackleton in the run-up to the crash was not accepted by the Crown.

Witnesses who saw the two cars speeding through Darwen would be called to give evidence about the nature of their driving, the court heard.

Yesterday Shackleton, who was set to stand trial accused of causing Mr Bury's death by dangerous driving, pleaded guilty to the charge.

Members of Mr Bury's family were in court to hear Shackleton's admission.

Pre-sentence reports will be prepared on him by the Probation Service before he is sentenced. Black, now 20, of Lord Street, Darwen, had admitted the same offence at an earlier hearing.

Mr Pickup said that although Shackleton's car had not come into contact with Mr Bury, he accepted liability for the death because of the nature of his driving beforehand.

Mr Bury, of Council Terrace, Darwen, had finished work at Ipec Furniture, of Victoria Street, Accrington, and gone to his favourite pub for a pint.

Usually his wife Maureen, with whom he had just celebrated his ruby wedding anniversary, accompanied him to the pub, but she had been ill and did not make the journey.

After being hit by Black's Corsa, Mr Bury was given emergency treatment, including mouth-to-mouth resuscita-tion but was confirmed dead at the scene.

Shackleton, now 23, and Black were charged following a four-month inquiry by police.

Black and Shackleton are expected back in court later this month following further discussions about the case with their legal advisers.