AN amputee who lost both legs due to a smoking-related illness died from blood poisoning a day after he was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Peter Jones, aged 43, of Chorley Old Road, Bolton, had been unable to give up his 20-a-day habit - despite developing peripheral vascular disease in his mid-30s which led to both his legs being amputated, an inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court heard.

He had been admitted to the Royal Bolton in August to have one of his stumps refashioned, but discharged himself days later - despite the concerns of medical staff, who were worried about the standard of his home accommodation and the risk of infection to his wound.

While in hospital, he had declined any help from Social Services. He also failed to attend an out-patient appointment scheduled for September 12.

His friend Steven Crompton told the hearing how he had become increasingly concerned about Mr Jones' welfare after the wound began to smell and he started hallucinating.

Two doctors went to see Mr Jones at home, and he was re-admitted to hospital on September 16, 2006 - the day before he died.

The cause of death was septicaemia, caused by a wound in the amputated stump and peripheral vascular disease.

Coroner Jennifer Leeming recorded a narrative verdict of death due to a recognised complication of amputation.

The court was told that half of all people who have had a double amputation will die within a year.

Mrs Leeming said: "This is a very tragic set of circumstances. Mr Jones died very young.

"He had a very serious problem in that he could not give up smoking, and sadly that led on to everything that followed."