A CORONER has ruled that a woman from Blackrod who fell 60ft while out walking died accidentally.

Elspeth Stears, aged 60, plunged to her death while in the Lake District in May on a coast to coast trek after falling from a crag overlooking Ennerdale Water.

Senior coroner David Roberts recorded a verdict of accidental death at her inquest, which was held at Cockermouth Coroners Court.

The inquest heard that Mrs Stears lost her footing before she fell and sustained fatal injuries.

The mother of two was treated at the scene by Cockermouth Mountain Rescue and was taken to hospital by an RAF search and rescue helicopter, but later died from her injuries.

Mrs Stears, who was married to Bryan Stears, was a member of The Lancashire Association of Change Ringers and was a bell ringer at St Bartholemew Church in Westhoughton.

At the time, Chris Bracegirdle, Rector of St Bartholemew Church, said he was devastated by her death.

Mr Bracegirdle said: "It is always very sad to hear of a tragic death. We are very thankful for all that she has done for the church.

"We send our love, praise and condolences to her family."

Mrs Stears was also a member of Blackrod Cricket Club where her two sons, Daniel and Matthew play cricket.

Since her death more than £700 has been raised in her memory for the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, with a rounders tournament recently being held at Blackrod Cricket Club.

Mrs Stears, a former member of the club's rounders team, took up the post as rounders scorer and was said to "always enjoy herself."

A spokesman for Blackrod rounders team said: “She was a lovely lady who just thoroughly enjoyed herself.

"It is absolutely tragic what has happened to her. She would do anything for anyone and was willing to help with anything.

"She was a member of the club for a long time. She certainly won’t be forgotten."

Donations have also been made to Bolton Hospice in her memory, with £336.30 being donated to the hospice where she used to volunteer.