A SHOP worker from Hoylake died from an allergic reaction after being prescribed medication for toothache, an inquest heard.

Mark Johnson, 36, collapsed at work on the night of July 3 last year.

He was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital but suffered a heart attack from which he could not be revived. He died in hospital that evening.

A postmortem revealed the cause of death was cardiac arrest caused by anaphylaxis - an extreme allergic reaction to penicillin.

Coroner's officer Donald Johnston told an inquest at Wallasey Town Hall that Mr Johnson, who had learning difficulties, complained of pain in his upper jaw and and went to see his dentist at Arno Dental Practice in Prenton on July 2.

He was prescribed amoxicillin, a form of penicillin, to ease the symptoms.

On the afternoon of July 3, his parents were called to collect him from work after he complained of feeling unwell.

They found him clearly unwell in the staff canteen at Sainsbury’s in Prenton, where he had worked for nearly ten years.

He started to walk out of the canteen, but then collapsed.

An ambulance was called and he was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital.

A fit and healthy man, Mr Johnson had been prescribed penicillin before with no ill-effects.

Described by his father Bill as a "fantastic lad", Mr Johnson lived in Strand Road, Hoylake.

Such was his popularity that 250 people attended his funeral at Landican cemetery. He had been engaged to girlfriend Katie.

Paying tribute to him at their home, his father said: "Mark had such a bubbly personality and was well-liked. No one can believe what’s happened."

Wirral coroner Christopher Johnson recorded a verdict that death was from natural causes.