A 40 YEAR old woman found dead at her home had been using drugs and drinking, an inquest heard.

The hearing, at Burnley Magistrates' Court, was told that Beverley Anne Whitney, of Back Burnley Road, Bacup, who had never been married, had not worked for about 20 years.

Her sister Gaynor Hilton said Miss Whitney, who was born in Rawtenstall, went to work away about 20 years ago and when she returned, she seemed a different person.

Pieces of foil were found in her room and it was believed she was involved in drugs.

Mrs Hilton said about 14 years ago her sister managed to reduce the amount of drugs she was taking but she had been using them for the last few years and drinking quite a lot.

The last time she had seen Miss Whitney was in the last week or so before her death, at their mother's home. Mrs Hilton said on Monday 20 August, she went to see her mother and was told her sister had died.

East Lancs Coroner David Smith said samples from Miss Whitney's body had been sent to Manchester Royal Infirmary for analysis and when the results were received, the cause of her death would be known.

He adjourned the inquest.