LEYLAND schoolgirl Karla Selley died after having a tooth out because correct procedures were not used, a jury heard on Monday.

Five-year-old Karla, of Golden Hill Lane, Leyland, was given a gas anaesthetic during a visit to the Towngate surgery in Leyland, because she had an unpleasant experience previously when having a tooth extracted.

But it ended in tragedy, partly because the standard of care by two professionals fell below standard, Preston Crown Court was told.

Karla died because of an obstruction of the airway after a baby tooth was removed at the surgery in1999. But the jury has heard allegations that proper procedures were not used at the dental practice -- measures which could have saved the little girl's life.

It has also been argued that resuscitation attempts were 'hopeless'.

Dentist Michael Lane, 42, of Junction Lane, Lostock, Bolton, and anaesthetist Dr George Vanner, 67, of Brockside Barn, Badgers Wood, Bilsborrow, near Preston, both deny manslaughter.

"This case on any view is a tragedy," said Mr Howard Bentham QC in his opening address.

The operation on the afternoon of August 9 was completed very quickly. However, problems arose while young Karla was coming round after the anaesthetic.

She was then taken to hospital by ambulance and pronounced dead there.

The prosecution case was that she died because of an obstruction of the airway by blood, mucus and debris.

Karla had a peculiarity of the heart, but the Crown say it did not cause her death.

Mr Bentham said the two defendants -- both highly qualified professionals -- owed a high duty of care to Karla. "As a result of falling down in that standard of care young Karla died," said Mr Bentham.

The trial continues.