An inquest is being held on Tuesday to examine the death of a 24-year old woman from variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) five years ago.

Pamela Beyless was the second of five people linked to the village of Queniborough, Leicestershire, to die from the disease.

The hearing follows a campaign by her father Arthur for an inquest.

Pamela Beyless was one of five people who died

Coroner Martin Symington originally said he had no power to investigate the death because the 24-year-old had died from natural causes, but has since changed his view.

Mr Beyless, 56, said before Tuesday's inquest: "I'm a bit nervous really, but it is another step on the road.

"It is not going to bring Pamela back, but it is something that is necessary.

"It will set some of the record straight.

Traditional butchers

"We believe that Pamela died an unnatural death, and given the balance of probabilities she would still be alive today.

Five cases were connected to the village

"We are looking for confirmation of that."

He said inquests into the deaths of the other four victims who fell ill in the Queniborough area had still not taken place.

The cluster was first reported after three people, including Miss Beyless, died within 12 weeks.

A health authority inquiry said the deaths were probably caused by traditional butchering which inadvertently contaminated meat with infected brain matter from cows.

The inquest into the death of Miss Beyless is being held at Leicester Town Hall and is expected to last for a day.