The family of former Kent champion boxer Gary Mason are taking legal action against a van driver they blame for his death.

The former heavyweight fighter was hit by the vehicle while cycling near his home.

A coroner today ruled it was an accident, but Mason's relatives have decided to prepare a civil case against Piero Zanelli.

Mr Zanelli apologised to Mason's family members during an inquest at Croydon Coroner's Court, saying he did not realise he had hit him.

The 43-year-old said: "I haven't been able to express my condolences until now. I am truly sorry for what has happened."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Roy Palmer told Mason's family: "I'm so very sorry that you lost Mr Mason in tragic circumstances."

Mr Zanelli was arrested in connection with the incident, but will not face charges after police took the decision not to prosecute.

Mason was a familiar face in the Medway Towns at the peak of his career in the 1980s and 1990s, when he lived in Lordswood and Walderslade.

Mason, 48, was on his bike when he was involved in a crash with Mr Zanelli's van near his home in Wallington, Surrey, on January 6, 2011.

He was pronounced dead at the scene about an hour later.