AN 82-year-old Clayton-le-Moors woman died nearly two months after falling at home and breaking and dislocating an ankle, an inquest was told.

The hearing heard that Gladys Hindle under-went surgery on her ankle but subsequently developed a chest infection which led to respiratory failure.

Richard Hindle told the inquest he was contacted by the warden at Springbrook House, Canal Street, where his mum lived in sheltered housing to say she had fallen, injuring her ankle.

Mrs Hindle later told him that her knees had given way and she went over on her ankle. He said she had been in hospital in December with pneumonia and developed a chest problem after her operation in April.

The cause of death was given as broncho-pneumonia due to obstructive airways disease with the operated fracture contributing but not causing death.

Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a commentary verdict which reflected the cause of death.