AN 82-year-old woman died when her bedroom caught fire after she dropped a cigarette, an inquest heard.
Annie Wardle died from smoke inhalation at St Bede's Close, Crossgate Moor, Durham, in January.
The inquest heard how her grandson, David Soulsby, twice tried to get into the room, but was unable to.
North Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle said the tragedy highlighted the dangers of elderly people smoking in their rooms.
He said: "It is very difficult to try to restrain elderly people from smoking in this type of situation. Nonetheless, it is clearly a very dangerous activity."
He recorded a verdict of accidental death.
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