A RESIDENTIAL social worker who had recovered after a bout of depression took a combination of alcohol and prescribed medication which proved fatal.

But evidence from her family suggested that Hazel Lyne, of Beech Avenue, Horwich, would not have intended to take her own life, as she had been in a "positive mood" in the run-up to her death. Following what was described as a "normal day" with her family at her Horwich home, 57-year-old Mrs Lyne was discovered unconscious in the bath at the house, after family members became concerned that she had been in the bathroom, which was locked, for a long time.

On a shelf at the foot of the bath, police officers found three bottles of medication containing Temazepam, Dothiepin and unknown tablets.

Recording an open verdict, coroner Jennifer Leeming said to Mrs Lyne's family: "I know you are of the mind that Mrs Lyne had not intended to take her own life, and I certainly could not come to that conclusion."