A pensioner was killed in a house fire after leaving candles burning as she slept, an inquest heard yesterday.

June Bateup, 77, died in the blaze which broke out at her bungalow in Netherfield Green, Woodingdean, Brighton, on January 7 this year.

She was pulled from the building by firefighters. They tried to resuscitate her on the driveway but she was pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.

An inquest at Brighton Magistrates Court heard crews were called to the address at 10.44pm when neighbours spotted smoke and thought the chimney was on fire. It is believed there was no smoke alarm fitted in the house.

The court heard forensic teams sifted through the remains of the building and discovered several candles and tea lights as well as newspapers and magazines around the armchair where Mrs Bateup had apparently been sitting.

Fire investigator Andrew Porter, of East Sussex Fire and Rescue, told the inquest: "Fire officers forced entry and broke into the house.

They found Mrs Bateup in the bathroom. She was lying on the floor.

"They carried her out of the bungalow to the fresh air and commenced resuscitation. She was then taken to hospital in an ambulance but was later pronounced dead.

"During the investigation we found the remains of a candle and a box of matches and a metal tea light. These items were among burnt newspapers, documents and magazines. The evidence seems to suggest that the most likely cause was the result of an accident. Either a candle or a tea light was knocked over or papers were knocked on to the candle or tea light."

Mrs Bateup's son David said: "Some of her behaviour was quite challenging and I think there were some mental health issues. She developed a habit of not letting anyone into the house, even family. She took on hermit-like characteristics."

He suggested that maybe she had been using candles because a fuse had gone or to save on electricity.

Consultant pathologist Dr Neera Patel said the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.

Coroner John Hooper, recording a verdict of accidental death, said: "The evidence suggests Mrs Bateup had been sitting in the chair when the fire started. Once roused she made her way into the hallway but was overcome by smoke and fell."

Mr Porter said afterwards: "Following from this tragedy the fire service would like to remind the public to take great care when using candles in the home. We would also like to stress the life saving advantages of fitting a smoke alarm."

For free fire safety advice, home inspections and free smoke alarms call the freephone number 0800 1777 069.