A SECOND World War veteran fell to his death in the lift carriage of a Prestwich nursing home, an inquest heard.

A jury returned an accidental death verdict into the death of 81-year-old Harry Hurst following a two-day hearing.

Mr Hurst was staying at the Claremont Nursing Home in Prestwich last August while renovation work on his house in Whitefield was being completed.

His body was discovered beneath his wheelchair in the lift carriage, which was stuck between floors.

The grandfather-of-three died after sustaining a broken neck. Following the tragedy, an investigation was carried out by the Health and Safety Executive.

Mr Hurst had been confined to a wheelchair since losing his legs to diabetes. The widower had lived most of his life in south Manchester before moving to Hindburn Walk, Whitefield, about ten years ago to be nearer his children following the death of his wife.

His home was being renovated by Bury Council contractors and he was placed in Claremont Nursing Home in Park View Road two days before his death.