A MUCH-LOVED grandfather died after his trousers caught fire on a garden weed burner, an inquest heard.

Ronald Barker died in hospital on September 17 2024 after the freak incident in the garden of his home in Burnley, Lancashire.

Coroner Kate Bisset ruled the death as an accident.

The inquest heard the 85-year-old was tending to his garden on September 12, using a weed burner to clear a pathway, when the bottom of his trousers suddenly ignited.

The retired factory worker was seen by his neighbours who alerted the emergency services.

Paramedics recorded that Ronald had significant burns to his legs and he was rushed to Wythenshawe Hospital by air ambulance.

After speaking with doctors, his family were initially told the gandfather would likely not survive his injuries.

Ronald survived the initial surgery but his health deteriorated a few days later, the inquest heard.

It was then decided he would require palliative care and his family were brought to his side.

Affectionately known as Ronnie, his family told the hearing at Accrington Town Hall that their dad and granddad “loved his garden” and would potter around in it in the summer months, even competing in county fairs.

They also described Ronnie as “fiercely independent” even following the death of his wife Shirley.

They said Ronnie, who was born on February 23 1939 was “mobile and fit” and would have likely lived a few more years.

Coroner Bisset ruled the cause of death as an accident from pneumonia caused by a major burn injury.