A SIX-year-old boy found his young mum's body after she died in the night from what is believed to be a diabetic coma.

The youngster rushed to a neighbour's house where he told them his mum Katherine Hanson had been sleeping and he could not wake her up.

An inquest into the 31-year-old's death was opened at Burnley Magistrates' Court.

Coroner's Officer Pc Bob Wilson said: "Katherine died at home. She was found to be dead on the floor by her six-year-old son who alerted neighbours."

A post-mortem has been held but pathologists are waiting the results of toxicological tests before a cause of death can be established.

The inquest was adjourned for a later date.

Katherine has family in Rossendale with her mum living in Bacup and sister in Waterfoot. She also has two brothers.

She lived alone with her son after her marriage to the boy's father ended.

Neighbours in Rochdale Road, Bacup, spoke of their shock at the sudden death and sadness for the youngster.

One said: "I knew her as a neighbour to say hello and goodbye to. She kept herself private and I used to acknowledge her.

"She always seemed bright and cheerful and rode her bike a lot. I knew she had health problems. It is so sad at the age 31."

Another neighbour said: "It's terrible for her boy. It is really sad. Everyone is shocked."

A friend said: "I just know that her lad found her. She had not been well for a while.

"It was quite a shock as she was only young."