AN inquest has been opened into the death of a holidaymaker from Bury in Florida Keys, America.

Bury District Coroner, Mr Barrie Williams, was hearing evidence in respect of John Francis Newton, aged 37, a former clerk, of Church Drive, Prestwich.

He was discovered, still in his swimming trunks, lying dead on the bed in his room at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Key West, Florida, on October 21.

Access to his room was gained by the hotel manager with a pass key after friends reported not seeing Mr Newton.

Written evidence had been given by his mother Patricia Harvey, who said her son had been unemployed for a number of years.

Mr Newton had suffered from nose bleeds during the last 18 months and had treatment in hospital.

On October 7 he went on holiday to New York with a friend. The friend returned home as planned while Mr Newton flew down to the Florida Keys to further enjoy the holiday and to take a scuba diving course.

Mrs Harvey said a detective had contacted her following his death to tell her that her son had been swimming with friends he had met on holiday but had told those friends that while swimming his left arm had become numb and he had a feeling of pins and needles. About 20 minutes later he said he was feeling tired and went to his room. When he did not turn up for breakfast the following morning his friends contacted the hotel manager.

A post mortem examination had been held and the outcome of toxicological tests was awaited.

Coroner's officer Mr Geoff Cave said police in Key West had confirmed that foul play was not suspected. The coroner adjourned the hearing pending the final outcome of the inquiries in America.