PENSIONER Freda Slade died of pneumonia after a build up of medication in her system or an unintentional overdose, an inquest heard.

The High Wycombe inquest was told on Tuesday how the 75-year-old, from The Pastures, Downley, had been taking the relaxant diazepam.

Dr Yoon Chia, consultant pathologist, said a blood analysis revealed higher than normal doses of the drug, which could have contributed to the pneumonia.

Friend Stella Davies, who lived near Mrs Slade, saw her a week before she died and said she seemed happy and making plans.

She said Mrs Slade, who she had known for more than 50 years, had been depressed since her husband's death but seemed cheery that day. She said Mrs Slade worked part-time and had asked for help with decorating.

But Mrs Davies added: "I telephoned her and got no answer. If she seemed depressed I might have called around but she was happy and I thought nothing of it."

However, she was called up after the warden of the flats discovered Mrs Slade slumped behind the bedroom door of her home. She was taken to Wycombe Hospital but died on March 18.

Richard Hulett, Buckinghamshire Coroner, recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He added: "I think it is likely she has been overcome by mistake or unintentionally through long-term use."