An inquest has opened into the death of a former Bolton Mayoress who was found unresponsive at her home.

Sheila Hall, who was the mayoress of Bolton from 2006-07, died on January 30, aged 83, at their home in Sandown Road, Harwood, while her husband Walter Hall waited for an ambulance.

An inquest into her death opened at Bolton Coroners Court on Tuesday, June 28 with Area coroner Prof Dr Alan Walsh hearing evidence on Mrs Hall’s death.

Police coroners officer Neil McCaffrey said: “The former mayoress and retired carer struggled to breathe before Mr Hall called 111.

“They were told an ambulance would be sent out, but her condition worsened, after which a follow up call was made and the responding paramedic found her unresponsive.”

CPR was administered.

Pathologist Dr Patrick Waugh from Bolton Royal Hospital ruled the death to be 1A congested cardiac failure.

Mr and Mrs Walter celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2018

Mrs Hall had a number of jobs at different restaurants and worked as a shoe fitting specialist at John Prest shoe shop in Bridge Street.

Area coroner Prof Dr Alan Walsh adjourned the inquest until July 21 at 2pm.