A VERDICT of accidental death was recorded at inquest of a retired postman who died from Legionnaires disease.

Charles Hamilton-Lemon, 65, of Bluebell Woods, Broad Oak, near canterbury, died on April 6.

The inquest heard that a Canterbury City Council health officer took samples of water from the toilet and showerhead of the dead man's home to test for legionella bacteria.

Results of the water samples came back negative although, during the post mortem, an infection of legionnaires was found.

Mr Hamilton-Lemon's partner Shirley Griffiths said: "I cannot think where he would have come into contact with the contaminated water. We will never find the source."

Coroner Rebecca Cobb said the infection caused by the legionella must have occurred in the days leading up to his death, but from an unknown source.