An inquest has opened into the death of a mother-of-two found unconscious at home.

Margaret Penny died of a condition called irreversible cerebral hypoxia, which refers to deprivation of oxygen to the brain, stemming from a head injury, the hearing was told.

Coroner’s officer David Lewis said that Mrs Penny, 40, of Rectory Walk, off Cock Lane, Hamstreet, died at Ashford’s William Harvey Hospital on January 27.

Cause of death had been confirmed by a post mortem examination at the hospital.

Deputy coroner Christine Freedman adjourned the inquest at Ashford for further inquiries.

A date for the next hearing is due to be fixed.

Mrs Penny was known in the community as a charity volunteer who, with husband Paul, opened their garden for St Mary’s Church, Orlestone.