A TRAINEE veterinary surgeon died after taking a drug used to anaesthetise animals.

Michelle Dawson, 22, of Co-operative Villas, Langley Moor, near Durham, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham but was pronounced dead on August 23 last year.

An inquest heard yesterday how she had taken the drug from the practice where she worked in Gilesgate, Durham.

Pathologist Dr Douglas Murray said she died of a heart attack, brought on by the effects of the drug.

Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle said: "The facts are very simple, very clear and very tragic. It wasn't an accident because she intended to take the substance, but she did not intend the outcome."

A verdict of misadventure was recorded.