New date for Corfu gas death inquest

Robert and Christianne Shepherd died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2006

An inquest into two children killed by fumes from a faulty boiler while on a family holiday in Corfu in 2006 will take place in April 2015

Robert, six, and Christianne Shepherd, seven, of Horbury, West Yorkshire, died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

A pre-inquest review heard the inquest, originally due to begin in January next year, will now start on 27 April 2015.

The current and former chief executives of tour operator Thomas Cook will be called to give evidence.

In total, 32 witnesses, including the children's parents, are due to give evidence.

The two children were overcome by fumes while on holiday at the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel in Gouvia, with their father, Neil Shepherd, and his then partner Ruth Beatson.

Mr Shepherd and Ms Beatson were both left in a coma as a result, but survived.

Thomas Cook was cleared of responsibility in relation to the deaths. The manager of the hotel and two other members of staff were convicted of manslaughter..

Following the hearing, the children's father said: "We have waited eight years - another couple of months is not going to make any difference. We will wait until April for it to happen."

In May, the family were awarded legal aid for the inquest after their initial application was rejected.