David Hudson, 71, was found outside the bedroom of his single-storey cottage in Capulet Terrace, Hendon.

The fatal fire devastated the property, where Mr Hudson lived alone.

A coroner's inquest at Sunderland Civic Centre was told Mr Hudson had died from the effects of smoke inhalation after the fire on July 29 last year.

Pathologist Dr Sadiq Tijani said tests showed fatal levels of carbon monoxide in his blood.

There were also low levels of alcohol and evidence of the painkiller Tramadol.

Dr Tijani said Mr Hudson would have passed out quickly due to the toxic fumes.

The OAP also had serious burns to his head, upper body and feet.

Paul Anderson, a group manager with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, told the hearing that investigations showed the blaze had started in a back bedroom of the property.

He said: "The mostly likely cause of the fire was carelessly discarded smoking materials.

"It was unlikely Mr Hudson was in the bedroom at the time of the fire."

There was no evidence of faults with the electric in Mr Hudson's home, and no signs that the fire had been started deliberately.

Deputy coroner Karin English said Mr Hudson was known to have smoked about 20 cigarettes a day.

She gave a verdict of accidental death, saying: "I would hope that other people can learn from what happened to Mr Hudson about the dangers of smoking in the bedroom."

The Echo reported at the time how neighbours had to be evacuated after the fatal fire, which happened at about 3am.

It took firefighters, with two engines from North Moor Fire Station and two from Sunderland Central, four hours to make the property safe.

Neighbour Peter Giles desperately tried to save Mr Hudson, known locally as Davey, but had to abandon the rescue attempt when he injured his back.

Verdict: accidental death.