A 36-year-old woman collapsed and died of a heart attack hours after she was diagnosed as suffering from indigestion.

Doctor Patricia Ridley said mother-of-two Christina Hymers "seemed okay" when she called to see her during the night.

Mrs Hymers was complaining of chest pain and numbness in her left arm.

Newcastle County Court heard how the 36-year-old said she feared she was "going to die".

She was found unconscious in bed by her nine-year-old son the next day.

Despite frantic efforts by her husband, Paul, 37, and paramedics, Mrs Hymers could not be revived and was pronounced dead.

The court was told how she had been at a work party and returned to her home in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, at about 1am, but woke a short time later in pain.

Her husband, who is suing Dr Ridley, of Haltwhistle Health Centre, told the court in his statement: "She had not over indulged in food or drink."

The court was told that by the time the doctor had completed her examination, Mrs Hymers felt the pain was easing off. She was given two capsules for indigestion and no further action was taken.

The post-mortem examination revealed she died of a rare hereditary heart condition.

Mr Hymers said he accepted Dr Ridley could not have diagnosed the condition during her visit, but claimed she was negligent by failing to admit her to hospital.

Dr Ridley denies negligence and the trial continues.