Two classic car enthusiasts were killed when they were overcome with fumes while trying to protect a newly-acquired Mercedes Benz , an inquest has heard.

William Reid, 67, was backing his vintage car into a protective plastic covering in his garage when he lost consciousness due to carbon monoxide.

His partner, Kathryn Workman, 70, tried to rescue Mr Reid but was also affected by the fumes and backed off to call 999. However, after confusion in the ensuing exchange with the operator, she was advised to go back and help Mr Reid, after which she also succumbed.

A coroner ruled that Mrs Workman would have gone back for Mr Reid no matter the advice from the 999 operator.

The two-day inquest in Cockermouth, Cumbria, heard Mr Reid, had collected and restored classic cars for years. Among his collection, which largely comprised cars from the 1980s, were a Bentley, a Rolls Royce and a number of Mercedes.

He had recently acquired a Mercedes from the United States and opted to store the vehicle in a large plastic bag to protect it during the winter months. The Telegraph understands that Mr Reid had taken a 1980s Mercedes Benz 230 estate out of third party storage on the morning of the incident in October 2017.