The insertion of a feeding tube into the lung of a woman was a "major contribution" towards her death, an inquest has heard.

Amanda Coulthard, who suffered from multiple sclerosis, was admitted to Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary on April 13, 2015 following a deterioration in her condition, having previously been treated at Penrith Hospital.

She died on April 26, 2015.

In a statement, Dr Jonathan Medcalf, who carried out the first post mortem examination of Mrs Coulthard's body, said that it was discovered the tube had been inserted into her lung on April 17.

He recorded her cause of death as aspiration pneumonia caused by the insertion of the tube and administering feed into her lung.

Regarding the insertion, in a written statement, Dr Neil Cooper, a pathologist who carried out a second post mortem, said: "It has been a major contribution to Amanda Coulthard's final chest infection.

He added: "It's at least highly likely that the misplaced nasogastric tube has contributed to her death."

The inquest into the 57-year-old's death, is taking place alongside that of Michael Parke, from Cockermouth.

Mr Parke, 40, died at the West Cumberland Hospital on December 6, 2012.

Earlier this week the inquest was told that he too had a nasogastric tube incorrectly inserted into his lung and that feed had been issued before staff realised an error had been made,

With regards to Mrs Coulthard, from Penrith, coroner David Roberts was told that a nasogastric tube was first inserted on April 14 as she was unable to feed herself.

Two readings could not detect stomach acid and so feeding did not commence while Mrs Coulthard awaited an x-ray to determine that the tube was in the right place.

However Mrs Coulthard removed the tube during the night and a new one was inserted on April 15, when feeding commenced.

The inquest was told that was also removed and a new tube was inserted by staff nurses Rosemary Murray and Kerry Richardson on April 17.

However it was discovered later that day that the tube had been inserted into her lung, rather than her stomach, when Mrs Coulthard began coughing up blood.

The inquest continues.