A man from Sidcup whose mother served in the Second World War says he has been left with bills of £75,000 after taking legal action over her treatment before she died.

Kathleen Parkinson, a retired teacher and former journalist from Swanley, who also served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, died in A&E in Darent Valley Hospital in January 2011.

After an inquest into her death, her son Gerard, 56, challenged the findings of the coroner, Roger Hatch.

Mr Parkinson claims Mr Hatch's conclusion that his mother died of natural causes was "irrational" and took his case to the High Court in May, ordering a new inquest.

A doctor who was in charge of the department and examined Mrs Parkinson had told the coroner that she was "sadly dying".

Judges heard that Mr Parkinson did not agree and had wanted his mother to receive "treatment".

But Mr Hatch decided that Dr Sameer Hijazi's actions were appropriate and reasonable.

Mr Parkinson has now failed to convince High Court judges, who ruled that Mr Hatch was entitled to reach his conclusion.

They also said Mr Parkinson should pay legal bills run up by Mr Hatch, hospital bosses and the doctor in charge of the A&E department the day his mother died.

After the ruling, Mr Parkinson said he was devastated and felt like justice had not been done.

"I don't think I can do anything more," he said.

He added: "I didn't expect to be left with all these legal bills."