A PRESTON pensioner who used to turn on the air raid sirens during the Second World War died after a fall, an inquest heard.

George Nelson, 90, died after stumbling over a settee at his Thorntrees Avenue home, in Lea, while trying to put in eye drops on October 20.

Mr Nelson, who was blind and had hearing difficulties, was admitted to the Royal Preston Hospital's critical care unit four days later but died on October 27, Preston Coroners' Court was told last week.

A post-mortem examination by consultant pathologist Helen Stringfellow revealed the former English Electric Company employee had heart disease, pneumonia and fractured left ribs which caused air to be trapped in his lungs and resulted in his death.

Coronor Howard McCann recorded a verdict of accidental death.