AN inquest has opened into the death of a fitness instructor and former pole dancing champion from Bolton.

Jessica Leanne Norris, 27, was found unresponsive at a friend’s house on Alder Street on June 15.

Opening an inquest into her death at Bolton Coroners’ Court yesterday, assistant coroner for Manchester West, Catherine Cundy, gave Miss Norris’ cause of death as hanging.

Miss Norris lived in Townsfield Road, Westhoughton, but had been staying at a friend’s house since March of this year.

Police coroners officer Peter Yates confirmed a police investigation had found no suspicious circumstances and no third party involvement in her death.

The inquest has been adjourned for a full hearing to take place on August 11.

Miss Norris had been working as a fitness instructor up until the time of her death.

She was a keen pole dancer, setting up her first studio at the age of just 15 and going on to claim the title of Miss Pole Dance UK in 2011. In 2015 she claimed the title for the second time.

Following the news of her death, tributes poured in from hundreds of friends and fellow dancers.

Kay Penney, the found of Miss Pole Dance UK, described Miss Norris in a post shared on the competition’s Facebook page as a ‘national treasure’.

She said: “Thank you for your contribution and as a true ambassador for the aerial arts, touching so many lives, hearts and souls, lifting many of us with your entertaining, unforgettable and mesmerising routines.

"Thank you for your unquestionable dedication and sharing your talent through many classes, masterclasses, camps, events and competitions.

"You shone like a beacon of hope on so many stages and your legacy will live on forever in the history of pole and personally as my pole daughter, who constantly showed your gratitude over the years and during your reign as double female singles champion.”

Lee Hill, founder and former owner of Bodytorq Fitness in Westhoughton, worked with Miss Norris in 2014. He said: “She was a really bubbly person and she was so passionate about her work."

For support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, 01204 521200 or email jo@samaritans.org