A popular Ashford man found in a river died from shock after he hit his head and fell five foot into the ice cold water.

The inquest at Dover Magistrates Court today revealed Mark Worsfold, 50, from South Ashford, suffered serious injuries when he hit his head while walking home after a night out in the town centre.

It was feared Mr Worsfold, of Kingsnorth Road, had drowned after he was found in the River Stour on the morning of Sunday, February 21.

But pathologist Dr George Vittay said Mr Worsfold, who was three times the legal drink-drive limit, suffered cardiac arrest after falling in the 'ice cold' water.

Rachel Redman, Central and South East Kent Coroner, said: "Mark Worsfold has died as a result of an accidental death.

"He was out for a night on the town with his friends and had a bit to drink. He broke off from his friends and at that point he stumbled and went into the river.

"He did not drown, he did not die of his head injuries. He died of the shock of going into the water."

James Kerry, who had been walking home with Mr Worsfold on the night of the accident, said the pair bought sausage and chips and made their back back to his house.

Giving evidence at the inquest, he said: "We went to the pub most Saturday nights, especially if there was a band on, and would have a few pints. It was just a normal Saturday night.

"We were walking back to my house where he was staying and he said he needed to go for a wee and that he would catch me up. So I carried on walking but when I got home I realised he had taken a bit of time."

Mr Kerry explained that he then went to look for his friend, checking the previous bars the pair had been to, but did not see him.

He added: "I walked all the way back into town looking for him but couldn't find him so I went home thinking he would be back by the time I woke up."

But the next day, Mr Kerry saw emergency crews by the river and thought the worst. He told police: "I think that's my friend."

Police, paramedics and the water safety unit rushed to East Hill after a passerby saw his body in the stream on Sunday morning.

Officers cordoned off the road between the Star Inn pub and the corner of Mace Lane while divers entered the river.

Mr Worsfold, a single mechanic, was pulled from the water and his death was confirmed by paramedics at 10.45am.

Friends have since paid tribute to the popular mechanic who "always had a smile on his face".

Tom Dixon, who runs The George pub, where Mr Worsfold was a regular, said: "Mark was a very popular customer with both staff and other customers and has been using The George Hotel as far back as I can remember.

"He always had a smile on his face, would always want to say hello and had a very close group of friends.

"My team are shocked and deeply saddened. His jovial character will be missed by all of us at The George."

Author, and Kentish Express columnist, Steve Salter, from Kennington, said: "This is such a tragedy, he was one genuinely lovely guy.

"He always had a beaming smile for you. I am so saddened by his premature passing and offer my since condolences to his family."