A RETIRED window cleaner died while trying to get dressed, an inquest heard.

John O’Farrell was found dead at his home in Thornfield Road, Little Hulton, after neighbours became concerned they had not seen him for a few days.

Bolton Coroner’s Court heard police broke into Mr O’Farrell’s house and found him lying half on his bed, where he had apparently been attempting to get dressed.

A post mortem examination showed the 74-year-old had probably died a few days before he was found on April 14.

Mr O’Farrell, who was well known in the area through his work as a self-employed window cleaner, died from heart disease, the court heard.

He was not married and had no children, but his niece, Catherine Hicks, from Staffordshire, said he was a proud and independent man. She told the inquest: “He always said: ‘I’m fine, I don’t need any help, I can look after myself.’ “He would say he was fine, even if he wasn’t, he was always cheerful and always upbeat.”

Mr O’Farrell was described as an “outgoing man” who enjoyed going to his local pub with friends to play dominoes.

Recording a verdict of death from natural causes, assistant deputy coroner Peter Watson said: “He was of that generation of people who lived independently and proudly, not causing any trouble to any body, whether relatives or friends.

“Clearly he was a man who was happy living his own life in his own way.”