A YOUNG musician died after he contracted the rare infection toxic shock syndrome from a tiny cut on his finger.

Family and friends of aspiring musician Paul Matthews, were devastated when the 30-year-old died within a week of contracting the illness.

Band member Mr Matthews cut himself while carrying out DIY work in his home, where he lived with his girlfriend, Deborah Dixon.

At first, doctors thought he had a stomach infection but within a week he died from the devastating illness which kills just three people a year in this country.

The former Newcastle University student and British Gas worker from Gosforth, Newcastle, was a member of band The Forgotten Sons.

An inquest heard Mr Matt-hews had begun to feel ill but put his chest pains and sickness down to eating a beefburger.

Miss Dixon said: "He went to the doctor because he had a rash, but the doctor didn't know what it was.

"The rash started getting worse and worse and we noticed that he had a swollen finger that had turned purple and yellow."

He was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, where doctor Alistair Gascoigne suspected Paul might be suffering from the rare, life-threatening infection, toxic shock syndrome.

Inquest coroner David Mitford recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.

Members of Mr Matthew's former rock band are now bringing out a tribute CD in his memory.