The former matron and manager of a nursing home could be struck off the nursing register if they are found guilty of a string of serious misconduct charges.

Jean Boxer, former matron at Gargrave Park Nursing Home, and Leigh Marshall, former manager at the home, are appearing before a hearing of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

They are both charged with four counts of failing to take adequate steps to ensure residents were not placed at risk or harm of abuse between June and October 2002.

They are also accused of two counts of failing to take appropriate action when informed of an assault on a resident.

The hearing started on Monday and the NMC is expected to make its ruling on Friday.

One of the council's roles is to consider allegations of misconduct, lack of competence or unfitness to practise due to ill health.

But the overriding purpose of the proceedings is to protect the public from unsafe registrants rather than to punish the accused.

Miss Boxer and Mr Marshall resigned from the nursing home in October 2002 after serious allegations were made about patients' welfare.

The home closed at the end of 2003.