A WELL-KNOWN roofer died when he fell at home after a night out celebrating his 65th birthday.

Graham Preston Fothergill, of Raphael Street, Bolton, was described as a “colourful” character in an inquest, who was well-loved by friends and family.

On March 11, Mr Fothergill, who was born in Bury, went to the Greyhound pub in Deansgate, in Bolton town centre, for his birthday.

He left at 11.30pm and was driven home by his brother, Kevin.

The next day, Graham’s son, Jamie Lee, tried to call his father after they had arranged to meet.

He said this was unusual and his concern grew when the same thing happened the next day. He returned and found the front door closed but unlocked and saw his father at the bottom of the stairs with bruises and cuts to his head, and blood on the floor.

Mr Fothergill was pronounced dead at the scene.

Timothy William Brennand, assistant coroner for Greater Manchester West, recorded the death as an accident as a result of a head injury after a fall.