A PENSIONER died after falling down the stairs at his home, an inquest heard.

Gordon Ritson, 66, of Heyhead Avenue, Waterfoot, was found by his mother Annie found slumped at the bottom of the stairs after the accident in May.

He was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester and later transferred to Burnley where he later died. A post mortem examination showed he had developed pneumonia in hospital.

East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor said: "It appears that Mr Ritson, for some unknown reason, overbalanced and fell down the stairs suffering certain injuries which meant he was admitted to hospital. His condition deteriorated and he contracted pneumonia, but he would not have been in hospital but for the fall."

He recorded a verdict of accidental death.