A popular former postman from Knighton died from a blood clot after collapsing at his home, an inquest heard.

Mark Andrew Gibbs, 50, died on January 18, 2018 after efforts were made to save his life through CPR.

At a hearing in Welshpool, Ian Boyes, assistant coroner for South Wales Central area, recorded a conclusion of natural causes.

The hearing heard that during an incident on December 2, 2017, Mr Gibbs suffered a break in his left tibia which required surgery and was prescribed antibiotics and blood thinners.

It was not known at the time that Mr Gibbs had a condition which gave him a two to seven times greater chance of suffering from deep vein thrombosis.

On the evening of January 17, 2018, Mr Gibbs’ sons offered to phone for an ambulance but he refused after his condition improved.

The following day, Mr Gibbs was found collapsed in his living room by his son James. An ambulance was called and the police attended the home and found “nothing untoward”.

His family, including his three sons, were present at the hearing at which the assistant coroner read a statement outlining Mr Gibbs’ background.

The statement said: “Mark had suffered a lot of hurt and sadness in his life. But he never let it get to him. He was a great father, brother and son. Mark showed great respect to others. He had a gentle nature and held no regrets.”

They added that he was admired locally and that his funeral was “packed to the rafters”.

“He was the most genuine and selfless person you could know,” they added.

Mr Boyes told Mr Gibbs’ sons of his “deepest condolences.” He said: “I hope the happy times which you spent with your father will assuage the anguish.”