Roger Mayes, a retired bricklayer from the town, died on January 15.

His wife Lyn, who had known him for more than 60 years, formally identified his body on Cromer promenade following the incident.

A post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death as drowning.

The hearing was told Mr Mayes, who was born on April 12, 1943, lived in Meadow Close, Cromer.

The inquest was opened and adjourned, with a full hearing scheduled to take place at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at 11am on June 9 2026.

© Eastern Daily Press