A DEPRESSED mum killed herself just weeks after the death of her beloved dog, an inquest heard.

Mary Elaine Morris, 54, who had a drink problem, was devastated at the loss of her pet, which was her "best friend," and went everywhere with her.

She had attempted suicide about three years earlier after her marriage broke down, but had phoned her daughter and an ambulance was called.

This time, she had left a note talking about her funeral and saying she wanted to finish it all, the hearing at Burnley Magistrates Court was told.

Recording a verdict that Mrs Morris was depressed and took her own life, Acting East Lancs Coroner Richard Taylor said on the last occasion she took tablets she had wanted to be found, but this time she did not.

The inquest was told Mrs Morris, of Hibson Road, Nelson, died on June 3.

Tests showed she had taken a fatal dose of the painkiller propanalol and had been drinking. The alcohol may have been significant and contributory to her death.

PC Julie Fort told the inquest she went to Mrs Morris' home and saw her lying on the settee. She broke into the flat after she she could not get any response.

Mrs Morris was wrapped in a sleeping bag, looked very pale and her lips were beginning to turn blue. An ambulance crew arrived and pronounced her dead.

The officer said near the sofa were a half pint glass of what looked like wine and a half empty half pint glass containing pink liquid with broken tablets at the bottom. A six page note was found.

Mrs Morris' daughter Jane Hunter , of Higher Causeway, Barrowford, told the hearing her mother had turned to drink about three or four years ago when her marriage went "very wrong".

She then got over that and had seemed fine but was very upset when her dog had to be put to sleep about five weeks before.

Mrs Hunter said the last time Mrs Morris had taken tablets she had phoned her up and an ambulance was called. She said her mother's dog had been her best friend and had gone everywhere with her.

She told the hearing Mrs Morris had been at her house the night before she was found dead, had had a drink and seemed fine.

Mrs Hunter went on: "She talked about the dog and cried but she didn't give me any inkling she was going to go home and do what she did."