A WIDOWER died after a 12-hour drinking session on the anniversary of his wife's death.

An inquest heard Malcolm Cunliffe, 57, suffered massive head injuries when he collapsed near a pub.

Mr Cunliffe, a chemical process worker, had been drinking at the Bradley pub in Albert Road, Widnes, since opening time on the day of the accident in June this year.

And his pal, Robert Birch, revealed that Mr Cunliffe, of Chester Street, Widnes, had never recovered from the death of his wife a year before.

He said: 'On the day of the accident, Sammy was on holiday from work.

'I met a friend who said Sammy had been in the pub since opening. When I went in at 8pm he was drunk.'

Mr Birch offered to walk Mr Cunliffe home, but his friend left alone.

Mr Birch said: 'I saw something in the road. When I got closer I realised it was Sammy.'

Passers-by called an ambulance and administered first aid but Mr Cunliffe died in Whiston Hospital.

A police investigation ruled out any third party being involved.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Cunliffe died from severe head injuries.

Cheshire coroner Nicholas Rhein-berg recorded a verdict of accidental death.