A JURY will be called to decide how two Kendal friends were killed in an explosion while preparing for a wedding reception firework finale.

Andrew Coates, 41, and 46-year-old Polly Connor were found dead following the blast in the grounds of Larch Cottage at Ecclerigg, on the shores of Windermere, on August 30.

At a pre-inquest review into the deaths of Mr Coates and mother-of-three Mrs Connor, assistant coroner for Cumbria Alan Sharp said he was still awaiting a number of reports including post-mortems.

The court heard that on August 30 Mr Coates had enlisted friend Mrs Connor to help out at the wedding between semi-retired businessman John Simpson and his bride Nicole Rothwell.

Mr Simpson ran Stardust Fireworks with Mr Coates who was co-ordinating the display.

Plumber Mrs Connor and Mr Coates were preparing for the firework show in a garage at around 3.15pm when the ground was rocked by a series of "bomb-like" explosions.

"For reasons unknown the fireworks set on fire and set the garage on fire, destroying all its contents," said Mr Sharp.

He added there were no suspicious circumstances.

Around 70 guests were at the wedding when the blaze broke out.

It sent thick plumes of black and grey smoke into the air which drifted across the lake.

The fire also destroyed a car.

Speaking at the hearing in Kendal, Mr Sharp said: "The investigation is at a very early stage. There are several reports I anticipate to receive."

A representative from the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said it was yet to conclude its report while a representative from Trading Standards said it was investigating the licensing and storage of the fireworks.

A member of Cumbria Constabulary said its report was almost complete.

Mr Sharp said the inquest into the two deaths is expected to last two days and will require a jury.

Another pre-inquest review will be held at the beginning of June while the full inquest is expected to take place in July.