The parents of a two-year-old who died after choking on a piece of apple could have done nothing more to save him.

Coronor Roger Sykes described the death of Sammy Bennett as “the most tragic and ghastly accident”.

But he reassured Sammy’s parents Carl and Claire Bennett that both they and the medical services had done everything possible.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Sykes said: “It is every parent’s worst nightmare.”

The inquest heard Sammy died last December after choking on a slice of apple.

Mr Bennett slapped his son on the back to try to clear the blockage, but Sammy turned blue and went limp.

Paramedics and doctors at Maidstone Hospital spent an hour and 25 minutes trying to revive him.

Dr Charles Unter, a consultant paediatrician at Maidstone Hospital said: “Sammy’s parents did exactly the right thing. Five slaps on the back followed by chest thrusts is the standard response for choking - sadly it doesn’t always work.”

Mr Sykes, the coronor for Mid Kent and Medway, said: “I am satisfied that this tragedy was beyond redemption even before the paramedic crew arrived. Nevertheless no-one gave up. Attempts were made to resuscitate Sammy for a very much longer time than could possibly have been expected to be successful.”