A pensioner died after being stung by a wasp while gardening, it was revealed at the opening of an inquest.

Ian Flack, 76, a retired forestry worker, of Cae’r Hafod Canol, Bontuchel, near Ruthin, was working in a garden at Llanbedr DC, Denbighshire on October 24 last year, when he told the owner, Mrs Eileen Jones, that he had been "stung by a bee".

He wasn’t particularly concerned, but as he made his way towards the door he collapsed.

A post-mortem examination by Dr Mared Owen-Casey revealed that he died of anaphylactic shock due to being stung by a wasp.

  'He was a gentleman'

At a brief hearing in Ruthin John Gittins, coroner for North Wales East and Central, adjourned the inquest to a date later this year.

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Local community councillor Emrys Williams, who knew Mr Flack described him as a "gentleman".

After moving to the Bontuchel area more than 40 years ago Mr Flack and his brother John lived for a while in a caravan on a nearby farm.

John eventually moved away and Ian then lived on his own, cllr Williams said.

He used to help several local people with their gardening while still employed in the forestry.

“He was a gentleman and I got on fine with him,” cllr Williams added. 

Mr Williams said he understood that Mr Flack went to his car after being stung and complained of feeling unwell. 

The woman who lived in the property took him inside for a drink but he then collapsed. She ran outside to seek help and flagged down a passing vet who tried in vain to revive him.

Four days after his death his long-term partner Beryl, who also lived in Bontuchel, died after collapsing at her home, cllr Williams said.