A 25-YEAR-OLD former Darwen mother has died of a suspected drug overdose in a Blackpool hostel.

Michelle Anne Kilpatrick was found by another house mate at Elm House, in Derby Road.

Today a worker at a drop-in centre for drug users which Michelle used regularly said she had recently been trying to overcome a heroin addiction.

Trevor Gotobed, project manger at Blackpool Bridge Project run by the Salvation Army said: "Michelle had been a heroin addict for years.

"With her boyfriend Paddy she used to come in here about three or four times a week.

"She was so good recently, though. Over the last month she had been trying so hard to quit the drugs and had been doing so well.

"I wish her mum could have seen her. She was like a different person.

"Back to probably how she remembers her years ago.

"I was shocked when I heard she had died. I was so proud of her. She was doing so well. It's such a shame."

Michelle was found on May 5 at 9.30pm. An ambulance was called but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police also attended the hostel but found no suspicious circumstances.

Blackpool coroner Anne Hind opened and adjourned an inquest yesterday. The hearing was told a post mortem examination had been carried out but the exact cause of death was being withheld pending further toxicology tests.

Michelle leaves a son, Connor, who was cared for by her mother, Amanda, with Raymond. She also leaves a father, Derek, with Lila, sister Anne-Marie and brothers, Michael, Adam and Ross.

The funeral is at St Peter's Church on Friday at 2pm followed by interment at Darwen Eastern Cemetery.

Donations can be made in memory of Michelle to the Bridge Project by contacting Darwen Funeral Services on 01254873618.