An ambulance was called and Mr Cooke waited “clearly in pain” for two hours before paramedics arrived at the site, around two miles from Hethersett, near Norwich.

The retired maintenance engineer, from Moorhouse Close, Reepham, was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (N&N) where, despite treatment, he deteriorated and died two weeks later on November 12.

A statement from the Old Rectory’s owner was read out at the inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court.

Great Melton's Old Rectory (Image: Newsquest) Eileen Pennington said: “Mr Cooke had been meaning to cut down a low-hanging branch on the edge of the car park for some time.

“He had been warned previously about the tendency of branches to swing round and to leave it this time as it was getting late.

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© Eastern Daily Press