A WORLD-class model aircraft flyer from Wollescote died due to complications following surgery, an inquest heard.

Stafford Thomas Screen, aged 78, of Stevens Road, passed away on Wednesday January 2, last year.

An inquest into Mr Screen's death was held at Smethwick Coroners Court on Monday .

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain concluded that Mr Stafford had died due to complications, probably a bacterial infection, following elective surgery that was properly indicated and performed.

During his working life Mr Screen, who was originally from Blackheath in Halesowen, pursued a passion for engineering, eventually gaining a post as technical director at a multi-national company and then as a consultant when he retired.

The father-of-two flew scaled-down aircraft for teams representing Great Britain on 31 occasions including 23 consecutive World and European Championships teams from 1977 to 1999.

His medal haul included three individual silver medals, was on four gold medal winning teams, one silver and two bronze.

Mr Screen, a grandfather-of-four, also built model gliders and his Silhouette design was made Model of the Year by the US National Free Flight Society.

Donations made at Mr Screen's funeral service raised more than £1,200 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.