A WOMAN who was addicted to painkillers and alcohol was found dead in a chair at home.

An inquest heard how Cecilia Flanagan, aged 45, of Kempston Gardens, Halliwell, was found dead on May 24.

Her twin sister Elizabeth Wright told the inquest that Mrs Flanagan, who was brought up in the Davyhulme area of Manchester and left school aged 15, had been an alcoholic and suffered from anorexia for many years.

She moved to Bolton about three years ago when her drink problem deteriorated and last spoke to her twin sister on the phone at Christmas.

Mrs Flanagan, who had lived in bedsits all over Greater Manchester for the past 20 years and was divorced, was last seen alive four days before her death by her friend Joseph Carrington who said she was in a delirious state.

Mr Carrington alerted the emergency services a few days later when his niece was unable to get an answer at the flat.

Police officers and paramedics found Mrs Flanagan slumped in a chair surrounded by empty cans and bottles.

Deputy coroner Simon Nelson recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.