A 12-year-old boy who collapsed and died while playing with friends had drunk the equivalent of two-and-a-half pints of cider, an inquest heard.

Gary Young, from Holme-on-Spalding Moor, choked on his vomit as he drank and smoked cigarettes on playing fields close to his home.

He had also suffered a severe asthma attack.

Hull coroner Geoffrey Saul recorded a verdict of accidental death after hearing how Gary collapsed and choked in July last year. He was pronounced dead after being taken to York District Hospital.

A pathologist who carried out a post-mortem examination on Gary said the asthma attack had contributed to the death, but he had died from choking on vomit.

Gary and his friends had drunk a three-litre bottle of White Lightning cider, which is more than twice as strong as normal brands.

It had been bought for them by the mother of a 14-year-old friend. She was arrested and cautioned for supplying alcohol to under 18-year-olds.

Gary's mother, Sarah Jane Young, said his death came only a few weeks before he was due to have a regular check-up for his asthma. At his funeral, Gary's twin sister, Hannah, said: "Gary was the best brother I could ever imagine having."

Updated: 11:22 Friday, April 11, 2003