A DOG walker found the body of a Carlisle pensioner who had been missing for two months, an inquest heard.

James Davidson, 81, was found deceased on the banks of the River Esk, in marshland near Gretna, on March 15, by a woman walking her four dogs.

The retired railway engineer from Longtown, who was a keen walker and fisherman, had been reported missing on January 13.

At an inquest in Cockermouth on Tuesday, coroner Robert Cohen concluded it was likely Mr Davidson had had a cardiac episode and fallen into the water.

The inquest heard that Mr Davidson, of Burn Street, had lived all his life in Longtown. He had five siblings and left school at 15.

He took a job at Netherby Nursery before going on to work as a railway engineer, looking after the tracks. He did that job until he retired.

"He filled his days walking in the local area, fishing, taking photographs and spending time with friends," said his sister, Jean Lamont.

In his younger days he enjoyed riding motorbikes and walked with a limp following a serious accident, she said.

He remained single throughout his life and never had children, the inquest heard.

Mr Cohen heard statements from the police, who had conducted a number of searches on land and water with assistance from partner agencies as well as house to house and CCTV enquiries.

"His GP reported a few not insignificant medical conditions but all were well managed," said Mr Cohen.

"The pathologist noted James's lungs were congested but also that he had a very significant heart condition, his coronary arteries were very badly blocked.

"For this reason he suggests the medical cause of death was immersion in water and ischemic heart disease."

In his conclusion, Mr Cohen said: "It does appear to me that the police have conducted fairly detailed investigations and searches but sadly did not find anything."

Regarding the cause of death, he said: "I'm heavily influenced by the expert report of the pathologist.

"He has suggested that James is likely to have had a cardiac episode and fallen into the water while that was taking place."

He concluded it was an "accidental death".

Mr Cohen said to the family: "I'm deeply sorry for the loss you suffered. It must have been dreadful to lose James in January and not know what happened to him for some months. You have my profound sympathy."