A STROKE victim died on Boxing Day after choking on her food, an inquest was told.

Elizabeth Mary Appleton was a resident in Rivendale extra care housing scheme, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

The 82-year-old was eating lunch at the home, in Bankhead Road, last Christmas, when a piece of food became trapped in her throat.

Staff tried to help and encouraged her to cough it up.

When Mrs Appleton was asked if she was okay, she nodded, but collapsed shortly afterwards and efforts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful.

A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was a cardiac arrest and oxygen starvation due to an obstruction of the larynx.

Coroner Michael Oakley recorded a verdict of accidental death.