A NEW Year family party ended in tragedy when an elderly couple fell together down the stairs.

An inquest heard how Hilda Heyworth, 74, of Grane Road, Haslingden, died on New Year's Day after falling down the stairs at her daughter's two-bedroom terrace house in Colldale Terrace, Haslingden.

Mrs Heyworth's husband, Edwin, was also injured in the fall and was taken to hospital with severe bruising. He was allowed home last Friday, January 5.

Son-in-law Neil Harris told the inquest how he had picked Mrs Heyworth and her husband up at about 3.50pm on New Year's Day for a traditional family celebration meal followed by party games.

Mr Harris said how the family were in the middle of a game when they suddenly heard a loud crash and rushed to the stairs to find Mr and Mrs Heyworth slumped at the bottom.

Mrs Heyworth was unconscious and bleeding from a head wound.

Mr Harris told the inquest: "She was still breathing when we found her and she had a pulse.

"Her chest was going up and down and we put a blanket over her to keep her warm. The paramedics worked really hard to save her."

The inquest heard how the banister appeared to have come away from the wall after the incident but Mr Harris said to his knowledge the rail was firmly fixed in place and the stair carpet was intact.

Burnley coroner David Smith adjourned the inquest until Mr Heyworth was well enough to give evidence about the incident.