AN inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of a pensioner killed in a collision at Ashley Heath earlier this month.

Rosemary Valerie Queree died at Southampton General Hospital on January 5.

The 78-year-old had been involved in an accident on Horton Road just before 4pm that day.

Mrs Queree, a retired nurse and widow, lived at Oak Tree Road, Bitterne Park, Southampton.

Assistant Dorset coroner Victoria Cook opened the inquest at the coroner's court in Bournemouth during the afternoon.

Dorset coroner's officer Ken McEwan told the short hearing: "Rosemary Queree was driving her white Volvo car on Horton Road, Ashley Heath, when it went onto the opposite side of the road colliding with an oncoming vehicle."

No-one else was seriously injured in the crash.

She was taken to Southampton Hospital but her condition "dramatically deteriorated," explained Mr McEwan.

He added: "Despite the best efforts of the A&E staff she sadly passed away."

The cause of death was recorded as multiple injuries.

The inquest was adjourned until August