THE inquest into the death of a 14-year-old schoolboy was due to be opened today.

James Mather, of Melbourne Street, Oswaldtwistle, died on Thursday last week after he was found by a friend, collapsed in a suspected gas sniffing den.

The hearing in Blackburn was expected to be opened by coroner Michael Singleton.

James's distraught family appealed for help in solving the mystery surrounding the gas canister found nearby which is believed to have killed him .

Police officers said James had gone to a youngster's den on wasteland at the junction of John Street and Merlin Drive, Oswaldtwistle, at teatime with two friends.

The friends left him temporarily to visit a shop and when one returned, he found James had collapsed and carried him to nearby old people's home. Paramedics took him to Blackburn Infirmary where he died later.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Joseph Barnes, an uncle, said his nephew's body had been released after an inconclusive post mortem and would be buried at Immanuel Church. New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, on Friday morning. Family and friends were expected to pack the church for the service.

He also told how Arthur and Betty Mather, both 53, parents of the stricken teenager, were grateful for the many cards of condolence they had received from friends, family and strangers.

He said: "Arthur and Betty are still distraught and desperate to find out what happened

"They would like to thank James's friend who found him and carried him to the old people's home.

"We would also like to thank public for the messages of support sent to the family. Some of them were from complete strangers and I believe James's parents have received about a hundred."

Anyone with information should call the police on 01254 353741.