THE inquest into the death of a retired Wolverley High School teacher has been opened and adjourned.

Worcestershire coroner's court heard that 75-year-old John Reynolds, of Dorsett Road, Stourport, was on his way to a nearby pub when he was struck by a black Citroen on Bewdley Road.

He was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by ambulance but died in the critical care unit the following day, leaving behind his wife, Patricia.

The cause of death given by home office pathologist, Eddy Tap, was a blunt force head injury.

Before adjourning the inquest to the next open day after three months, Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said Mr Reynolds had left his home address at around 10pm with the stated intention of going for a drink.

Discussing medical history, he said the pensioner had suffered a few momentary blackouts in the last two years and was on medication. The reason for them was not known but they only lasted seconds, he said.

Mr Reynolds also had an eyesight problem which caused his central eyesight to be poor. His peripheral vision was excellent, however, and he used eye drops to prevent further deterioration.