A theatre director who was allergic to wasps died after he was stung and fell from a ladder, an inquest heard.

Michael Gibson, 66, told his wife he was going to remove a wasps' nest from the roof of their home in Louth, Lincolnshire, on November 2.

But after he had climbed the ladder in the rain, Mr Gibson, who had been drinking and was wearing slippers, was stung and plunged to the ground.

His wife performed CPR while emergency services rushed to the scene.

Michael Gibson, left, 66, who was allergic to wasps, died after he was stung and fell from a ladder, an inquest heard

PC Claire Blakey told an inquest into Mr Gibson's death that an ambulance and air ambulance were also called to the scene.

She said: 'The ladder was positioned near the gate. Mr Gibson has slippers on and it was raining lightly. His wife gave him CPR.

'She told me he was going to remove a wasp nest and she was concerned by this as he had an allergy to wasps.'

The inquest at Boston Coroner's Court heard Mr Gibson's blood alcohol level was 121mg of ethanol per 100ml of blood in his system, the legal drink drive limit is 80mg.

Mr Gibson died as a result of anaphylactic shock and a spinal fracture

A post mortem examination concluded Mr Gibson, who was well known for directing popular plays as part of the Louth Playgoers and the retired site manager at Eastfield Infants School, died as a result of anaphylactic shock caused by the wasp sting and a spinal fracture.

Coroner Paul Smith said: 'He had an allergy to wasps. He carried and epi-pen. He was last seen around midday in Louth town centre.

'His wife Janine Sutton returned home and the house was open. She rang her husband's phone and that led her to him.

'He had a head injury and she attempted CPR but despite efforts he was pronounced dead.

'It is reasonable to assume he went up the ladder to look for the nest, was stung and lost his balance and fell from the ladder. His balance may not have been assisted by wearing slippers.'

Mr Smith concluded Mr Gibson's death was a tragic accident.

Family and friends paid heartfelt tributes to Mr Gibson after his death.

He told his wife he was going to remove a wasps' nest from the roof of their home (pictured) in Louth, Lincolnshire, on November 2

Stepdaughter Emma Sutton said: 'He was a wonderful man and was amazing with me and my brothers and a brilliant granddad figure to my children. He will definitely be missed a lot.'

Brian Cliffe, director at Louth Playgoers, said: 'He worked with me on four productions and I worked on two of his lately, 'My Cousin Rachel' and 'Sherlock Holmes: the Hound of the Baskervilles'.

'He was the best assistant director I ever had. He was a lovely chap. We worked so well together. We would be directing for six months at a time with each of the productions.'

Eastfield Infants School headteacher, Sarah Akhurst, said: 'Mike was a very valued colleague of Eastfield for more than 28 years, retiring in May 2016.

'Mike was larger than life, always busy and prepared to help out with anything and everything.

'He instigated our woodland learning area and outside play areas for young children. A lasting memory of Mike will always be his construction of a magnificent grotto ready for the arrival of Santa each year.

'He was always a great favourite with staff and children alike. It is very sad to think that he will not get to enjoy more of his retirement with his own family.'