A Little Lever footballer suffered an accidental death on the first day of his holiday in Benidorm, an inquest has found.

Michael Jones, of Church Street in Little Lever, was returning to the Vina Del Mar apartment complex after drinking with friends on July 4.

Rochdale Coroners Court heard that he fell 'a fifty foot-plus drop' over a low railing on the outdoor stairwell at approximately 11pm that night.

The 21-year-old's body was found on the ground of the complex's maintenance yard the next morning.

His father Paul emphasised during his appearance in court the family's view that his death was not a result of 'drunken Brits abroad'.

Instead, his son had sat on the railing 'out of convenience' and fell back.

Mr Jones' friend Matthew Thomas gave evidence at the inquest.

Mr Thomas said the group had been drinking since watching an England World Cup game on July 3.

He said: "We had been drinking from about team time on [July 3].

"We didn't really have any sleep apart from a bit on the plane."

The toxicology report stated that his blood-alcohol level was 1.92 grams per litre.

The court also heard of Mr Jones' struggles with anger.

Mr Jones drove his car into a lamp post after an argument with his girlfriend in 2015, however it was heard that doctors described it as a 'one-off' event.

However, assistant coroner Catherine McKenna ruled out self-harm being a factor in his death.

The assistant coroner concluded Mr Jones' died from a subarachnoid haemorrhage after a cranial fracture.

Ms McKenna said his intoxication may have contributed, due to the impaired balance and perception of risk caused.

She said: "Michael was a talented and popular young man.

"He is very much loved."

Paul Jones said: "He is missed every day."