A 79-YEAR-OLD widow died of hypothermia after falling at home, an inquest heard.

Harriet Mycock was found on the kitchen floor of her home in Crown Farm, Grindon, by Judith Gee, her daughter, on February 7.

Mrs Mycock was taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, where she died the next day.

Dr Mark Rogerson, who carried out a post-mortem examination, said there were signs of bleeding to the back of her head, but no evidence of skull fracture or brain cells damage.

He said: "I was aware that when she was admitted to hospital her temperature was 27C (81F), which is very low, 10C (18F) below normal and not compatible with survival.

"The main reason for her deterioration is the fact she'd got so cold.

"I think she died of hypothermia, due to a head injury sustained in the fall."

Mrs Gee, of Livingstone Street, Leek, said she did not know how long her mother had been lying on the floor.

Anthony Curzon, deputy coroner, recorded a verdict of accidental death, caused by hypothermia, following a head injury sustained in a fall.