A drowned woman was found on a beach, an inquest heard.

The body of Andree Haskell, 76, of Queen's Street, Arundel, was discovered near Beach Green, Littlehampton, on November 16 last year.

Coroner Roger Stone said how she had died was a mystery and he recorded an open verdict at an inquest into her death at Worthing Hospital.

Keith Haskell, 54, of Littlehampton Road, Worthing, said his mother moved to Arundel in 1995 to live in a warden-assisted flat.

In a statement read out at the inquest, he said: "In April or May last year, a close friend of my mother's passed away and she was upset by this.

"She never mentioned any thoughts of wanting to end her life but she did say once she was surprised to have lived so long."

Mrs Haskell had decided against going out with her son on November 15.

He was still unable to contact his mother days afterwards and then the warden at her home said a body had been found on the beach.

Mr Haskell later identified the body of Mrs Haskell.

He wrote how his mother used to like walking along the River Arun and was not aware of her having any connections with Littlehampton.

Pathologist Dr Jeremy Grant said the cause of death was drowning.

Coroner Mr Stone said: "She was steady on her feet, she liked to walk - it is a mystery.

"In the circumstances, we shall never know for sure what caused her death."