THE parents of a 33-year-old woman have paid tribute to their late daughter's brave battle with the effects of multiple sclerosis.

Ciara Burns lost much of her mobility and had difficulty reading or even watching television as her MS symptoms gradually worsened, Burnley Coroner's Court was told.

But she insisted on retaining her independence, despite battling the condition for 10 years, and remained in her own home until her death on December 17.

An inquest heard that she was found dead in a bath at her home in Dudley Street, Colne, by her mother Winifred, who had arrived to collect her for a day out.

Consultant pathologist Dr Walid Salman, who conducted a post-mortem examination, said he could find no immediate cause of death but it was possible that she may have drowned.

Mrs Burns said: "It was not in Ciara's character. She would have made some effort to get out of the bath. There was no evidence of any splashing or water on the ground."

Dr Salman said there were also documented cases of people with MS suffering sudden deaths from cardio-respiratory failure, in similar sets of circumstances.

Earlier Mrs Burns had told the inquest how her daughter had adapted her home, fitting grab rails along walls and two bannisters, either side of the stairs.

The effects of the condition had left her unable to drive, according to her mother, and she had difficulties with her eyesight, which made reading impossible and watching television difficult.

Mrs Burns cooked meals for her but Ciara, which she cooked for herself. An anti-elipetic drug provided limited benefits though, allowing her speech to return.

"She suffered from chronic fatigue but she was a very determined and obstinate young woman. She was brilliant," added Mrs Burns.

Before recording a natural causes verdict, East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor said: "You must have been very proud of her, for her to be so independent."