A COCKTAIL of painkillers, anti depressants and alcohol caused the death of a 55-year-old man in an accidental overdose, an inquest heard.

Colin Lyons was found dead at his home in Church Road, Penn, on June 15 by his partner Jane Shakespeare.

The inquest heard the unemployed security guard had suffered three heart attacks and three strokes in recent years, as well as needed surgery on both his legs.

He had been prescribed several different types of medication for the pain he suffered.

A post mortem found he had taken more than the recommended dosage of his medication, in addition to a moderate amount of alcohol.

Coroner Richard Hulett recorded a verdict of accidental death, saying Mr Lyons would have survived either the drink or drugs in isolation but not the cumulative effect of both.

Speaking after the inquest Ms Shakespeare said: "He was a real gentleman and a colourful character. He had quite a lot of friends around Wycombe - people knew him in the pubs.

"He loved birds, and looking after my dog. He was a generous, loving man."