AN ALRESFORD man who dedicated his retired life to charity died after a fall.

Antony Craven Chambers, of The Soke, had a history of alcohol misuse, an inquest heard.

On November 21 last year, the 76-year-old fell down the stairs at home whilst more than three times over the legal drink drive limit. He died the same day.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard that Mr Chambers had been upstairs in the study. When heading downstairs for lunch, he fell.

According to a post mortem report by consultant pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri, the cause of death was a spinal injury, with a fall and alcohol misuse contributing.

Mr Chambers' son Dr Edmund, A GP, said that it was normal for his father to drink in the morning. He adopted this culture when serving in the army for five years in his younger life.

"My dad was an interesting, charismatic, fun, kind and caring person, who was adored by his whole family," added Dr Chambers.

"He was definitely a family man, with five children and subsequently 17 grandchildren."

After serving in the Army, Mr Chambers worked for Robert Fleming Banking, where he became a director.

He also served as a deputy lieutenant of Hampshire

He moved to his house in Alresford in 1970 and when retired he spent his time helping charities.

These included Firefly International and the Somer Valley Education Trust.

Mr Chambers also dedicated a large chunk of his time to the Hampshire Scouts.

Area coroner Jason Pegg concluded the inquest as an accidental death.

He said: "From what I've heard, Mr Chambers was a family man through and through.

"He lived a good and interesting life, but in his later years became frail, as we all do. His frailty, combined with being intoxicated, caused his fall which ultimately caused his death."