AN elderly women died as a result of falling off a sun lounger in a freak accident while on holiday in Italy, an inquest heard.

Margaret Goodfellow, 77, stood up on a hot tiled floor, which burned her feet and so she quickly sat back down.

But she landed awkwardly then fell over and was left with spinal injuries which left her paralysed.

Mrs Goodfellow, of Shafto Terrace, Stanley, County Durham was on holiday with friends in the Italian resort of Misano.

The accident happened on June 2 last year. She died on January 18 in University Hospital of North Durham.

Dr Douglas Maloney said she developed an infection on her lungs due to breathing problems which emerged from paralysis after the fall.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Andrew Tweddle said the fall started the chain of events which led to her death. He said: "A minor fall led to a very serious injury to the spine, which led to her being paralysed and not really recovering from the injury.

"She had difficulties breathing, which made her more susceptible to pneumonia."