THE parents of a four-week-old baby who died have paid tribute to their son.

Oliver Mannion's father Stephen said: "He had real character and even though he was so young we will never forget him."

Acting coroner Simon Nelson recorded a verdict of death by natural causes at an inquest after hearing how Oliver was rushed to hospital on Christmas Day.

He was born nearly two months prematurely and had suffered breathing difficulties and a slow heart rate. Oliver was just over 3lbs when he was born.

But despite his problems he made good progress and his parents were allowed to take him home to Hazelton Close, Leigh, two days before Christmas last year.

Following the inquest Mr Mannion, aged 32, said: "We were delighted to take him home for Christmas. Even though we only had him for a short time he was the best Christmas present we could ever have wished for.

"A lot of premature babies stay in hospital much longer before they come home but Oliver seemed to have a strong character and developed faster than had been expected. He had real spirit and was very brave."

Oliver's mother Anne-Marie, 34, told the inquest how she was alerted by a special baby heart monitor in his cot at about 5am on Christmas morning.

He had stopped breathing. Mr Mannion was looking after the couple's other son Jake, aged three, in another room but he rushed in and started to resuscitate Oliver.

He was rushed to the Royal Bolton Hospital and was kept alive until 12.50pm when he was pronounced dead. He died as he was being cradled in the arms of his mother.

Mrs Mannion, who works as a tax inspector in Bolton town centre, said: "Even though he was struggling he kept going somehow in the ambulance and at hospital until lunchtime. He finally passed away as there was just me, Stephen and Jake in the room."

Mr and Mrs Mannion have paid tribute to hospital staff, many of who carried on working several hours after they were due to finish shifts on Christmas Day.

The inquest was told by pathologist Dr David Bissett that fluid was found in Oliver's chest and lungs during a post mortem examination.

Dr Bissett said the exact cause of death could not be ascertained but it did not fit the typical circumstances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

He said: "His death was most likely a result of complications from his premature birth, probably due to a prolonged period of slow heart rate or breathing problems."

Acting coroner Mr Nelson said: "I hope that the findings of this inquest will help the family to come to terms with the death of Oliver in the due course of time."