A RETIRED nurse died of the adult equivalent of cot death, an inquest heard yesterday.

Audrey Holmes was discovered by her daughter on the floor of her bedroom in Ternbeck Way, Thornaby, Teesside, last December.

The 64-year-old divorcee had a history of psychiatric illness and had taken an overdose in the past, Teesside Coroner's Court heard.

But a post-mortem examination by Dr Christopher Rettman showed no trace of alcohol and only therapeutic levels of prescription drugs in her system.

He told the court the cause of death was unascertainable, but an overdose or a violent death was ruled out.

"This is very rare," he added. "It is like sudden infant death syndrome - when all known methods are unable to find cause of death. It is sometimes known as sudden adult death syndrome."

Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.

Ms Holmes' brother William, 61, of Chestnut Grove, Thornaby, said afterwards he was satisfied with the verdict.

"I'm happy in as much as I can be. Audrey had a history of depression, but her daughter was coming home to visit her that morning and her family would like to think that she was looking forward to that."