A FIT and healthy man who suffered a fractured ankle while walking with his friend died as a direct result of the injury weeks later, an inquest has heard.

Keen walker Paul Manning, from Geneva Road, Darlington, had been walking near Richmond, North Yorkshire, with a friend on March 18 when he slipped, breaking his ankle.

Within five weeks, Mr Manning developed deep vein thrombosis and was rushed to hospital after collapsing at home following breathing problems.

At the inquest, held at Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court, Coroner Brenda Davidson was told Mr Manning didn't even realise he had broken a bone.

"He was going walking, so he was wearing his boots and was well prepared," said his wife, Maxine. "He just slipped on a slope and went back to his friend's house afterwards.

"He elevated it and put a cold compress on it and it was not until the next day that he went to the hospital."

The 51-year-old went to casualty at Darlington Memorial Hospital where the injury was treated and his right ankle was put in a cast. He went back into the hospital for a second x-ray on March 29 when a second break was discovered by doctors.

Following an operation to put a pin in his ankle, Mr Manning spent several days in hospital, where he was instructed to rest, avoid putting weight on his feet and elevate his ankle.

"He must have been in hospital for five days," said Mrs Manning. "He was given a pair of crutches, but he was largely immobile."

Patholgist Tony Senadhira, who carried out the post-mortem examination, said he had developed an embolism in the leg.

"Following something like a broken leg or major surgery, there is a tendency to develop deep vein thrombosis."

The coroner said: "I am going to record a verdict of accidental death. Mr Manning did have an accident and that has been the factor that made things carry on from there."