An office manager died in a tragic accident in which he fell down a flight of stairs while visiting a friend's house.

An inquest into the death of Alan Moore, 62, was held at Woking Coroners' Court last Thursday afternoon.

The inquest heard how Mr Moore, from Cobham, had gone to visit his friend Simon Trantom, who he has known since the early 1980s, at his home in Farnham on November 16 last year.

The two had gone for a walk at the Frensham Ponds, a local beauty spot, before returning to Mr Trantom's house.

After chatting in the kitchen for a short while Mr Trantom decided to show Mr Moore around his house as it was the first time he had visited.

During the tour the friends ascended staircases leading to Mr Trantom's loft conversion.

It was while coming down one of the staircases that Mr Moore, an office manager for kitchen firm Re-Nu, fell.

Mr Trantom described what happened on the staircase, saying: "Suddenly Alan appeared to lose his balance and fall forwards."

He described how Mr Moore had reached out and grabbed a balustrade, which he wrenched from its position.

He added: "He tumbled down the stairs and landed on the hallway. As he did so he ended up on the left-hand side of the dining room doorway.

"He was crumpled in a near-foetus position. I rushed downstairs and went to Alan's aid."

Mr Moore was taken to Frimley Park Hospital before being transferred to St George's Hospital in Tooting. He died at the Atkinson Morley wing of St George's Hospital on November 20.

The inquest also heard from his wife Jenny Moore who spoke of her husband being a fit, healthy and active man who enjoyed walking and had no mobility problems.

Out of politeness, Mr Moore had taken off his shoes at his friend's home and was wearing socks. This, combined with being unfamiliar with the stairs, is believed to have led to him slipping and falling.

The coroner, Dr Karin Englehart, recorded a verdict of accidental death, saying: "In the circumstances therefore I have to conclude that Alan Moore died as a result of the accident and extend my condolences to all Mr Moore's family and friends.

"I hope that the picture of a fit and healthy man is one that will remain."