A verdict of accidental death was recorded on Dean Chevalier, 20, and Matthew Prothero, 23.

They died when Mr Chevalier, who was disqualified from driving, lost control of the car on a narrow back lane at Londonthorpe near Grantham.

Both had been drinking lager and tequila and had been taking ecstasy before the fatal crash.

Matthew Prothero's twin brother Stephen and his 20-year-old friend Luke Cleary, who were both travelling in the back, survived the crash.

The hearing at Grantham Magistrates' Court heard the level of ecstasy in Mr Chevalier's blood had reached almost toxic levels.

Judgement affected

He died of a head injury and Matthew Prothero died of multiple injuries. Both died at the scene.

West Lincolnshire Coroner Roger Atkinson said: "It serves as a lesson and the message is that like in most drink and drive cases, it is so tragic for these youngsters.

"But also there are dangers in having ecstasy when driving.

"Young people who indulge in binge-drinking or drug-taking should be warned as to the terrible consequences that can occur."

Dick Holmes from Lincolnshire Police said: "There is a shared responsibility.

"But it does show that when you've consumed alcohol and drugs of any description really, it does affect your judgement and you make bad decisions."

In a statement, Matthew Prothero's mother Lorraine, said: "At the moment it feels like we will never recover from Matthew's death. For 23 years it was always Matthew and Stephen and now one is missing."

She added that she hoped what happened to her son would deter other young people from getting in a car with a driver who had been drinking or who had not got a licence.