A MAN died after a severe allergic reaction to a bee or wasp sting, an inquest heard.

Paramedics were unable to save John Hinker, 54, of Clarence Corner, Newton Aycliffe, when he was stung near to his home on September 5 last year.

The court heard Mr Hinker became aware of his allergy in the early 1980s, after he was stung by a bee and passed out.

He was prescribed a form of antihistamine tablet by his GP, which had to be taken immediately after a sting.

Mr Hinker's sister, Christine Hinker, told the court she found her brother lying across the front seats of his van.

She said:"My brother and I had a routine for when he was stung. He carried some of his tablets on him, I also had some tablets and we kept the rest in his van. It was obvious he had been stung and was going to his tablets."

A post mortem examination was carried out showing he had suffered swelling to his lungs, which was consistent with an allergic reaction. A verdict of misadventure was recorded by Deputy Coroner Brenda Davidson, following yesterday's inquest in Darlington.