A PENSIONER has died while carrying out work at his home.

Police said William John Bell, 79, of Tweed Terrace, Stanley, appeared to have fallen off a ladder on Tuesday.

He was taken to the University Hospital of North Dur-ham, in Durham, but was declared dead in its accident and emergency unit.

An inquest into his death is due to open today in Crook.

Three other inquests will be opened and adjourned at the same time.

The first is into the death of window cleaner Kevin Frater, 38, who died on New Year's Day as he cycled along a country road near his home in Ushaw Moor, near Durham.

He collided with a car and was thrown forward into the road, suffering fatal injuries.

A 21-year-old man from Langley Park was arrested earlier this month in connection with the incident.

The man, who has not been named, was later released on police bail pending further inquiries.

He has not been charged with any offence and is due to return to Durham City police station on February 27.

The coroner will also open inquests into the deaths of George Nord, 72, of South Farm, Cold Hesledon, and Robert Felton Spanton, 49, of Castledene Road, Consett.

Mr Nord was found hanged in his garden shed on Monday.

Mr Spanton was found dead at his home on Tuesday, January 6.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.