A Shrewsbury man died accidentally when he fell while trying to climb into an upper-floor window while working in Spain, an inquest has heard.

Holiday rep Douglas Geoffrey Stewart died of head injuries after he fell while helping a friend who was locked out of his apartment in Malaga, Spain, on April 9 last year.

Powys coroner Mr Geraint Williams recorded a verdict of accidental death on the case of 19-year-old Mr Stewart, of The Knolls, Bicton Heath, in Shrewsbury, at an inquest yesterday.

He read a statement by fellow holiday rep Marcus Day, who said that he and Mr Stewart had been trying to help friend James Bunsell get back into his flat after he had been locked out.”His bedroom window was open. Doug tried to grab onto the window ledge with his hand, and brought his foot up on the wall,” he said.

“He fell, landing on the garage, hitting his head near a broken grid.”

Fellow rep Laura Byrne, of Corby, said: “Doug was trying to step onto a ledge but fell backwards, rotating at the same time, and hit his head.”

And Michelle Blake, originally from the Isle of Wight, said: “Laura told me Doug had fallen and hit his head, and we went outside to help. Doug was moving and saying his head hurt, and we were trying to keep him awake by talking to him, but he lost consciousness.

“He started to struggle to breathe, then the ambulance arrived at 8.45pm.”

Mr Williams said he was taken to hospital but surgeons were unable to save him.

He added: “About 2am on April 10 his life-support was switched off.”

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Williams added: “An examination revealed Mr Stewart died of head injuries.”