A CORONER has recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest into the death of a retired Bradworthy housewife.

Annie Elizabeth Parnell, 73, of Ford Crescent, died in the early hours of April 2 at Holsworthy Hospital, the Barnstaple inquest heard.

The inquest was told the cause of death was bronchial pneumonia, ischaemic heart disease, and a wound to her right leg which failed to heal.

The wound had been caused by a bite from a stray cat which had entered her bungalow through the cat flap in a back door.

Coroner Elizabeth Earland said despite medical intervention, the infection overcame her.