THE wait for answers for the families of two people killed when a fireworks explosion rocked a wedding celebration has been prolonged.

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

A pre-inquest review at Kendal County Hall heard that reports from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had been finalised.

In January a separate pre-inquest review heard that the full inquest was expected to begin next month.

But Alan Sharpe, assistant coroner for Cumbria, told Tuesday's hearing that he wanted to ask an expert at the HSE to look at the regulations regarding the storage and display of the fireworks at the lake shore property.

He said he could not offer a date for the final inquest, adding: "I am very sorry to all involved especially members of the family who want this matter to be dealt with as quickly as possible.

"The best thing I can do is to make sure another pre-inquest review is scheduled as a fail safe to make sure everyone knows what documents will be presented to the final inquest.

"During the next six/eight weeks hopefully there will be a provisional date set as we work towards those outstanding requirements."

Polly's step-father, Professor John Benson, said: "I am impressed with the professionalism and immense care that has gone into the reports.

"In a curious way we found it quite comforting to see the thoroughness in which the reports have been done.

"It does mean continued anxiety for close members of both families but I'm quite sure you will do everything that you can."

Mr Coates and mother of-three Mrs Connor, a plumber, were working at the wedding celebration of businessman John Simpson and Nicole Rothwell on August 30 when the explosion sent debris raining down on the lawns at the reception.

Mr Simpson, who set up Windermere firm Simpsons and Parsons insurance consultants in 1983, had a licence to keep fireworks at his home.