YOUNG mother who battled with anorexia and depression died suddenly with her baby in her arms, an inquest has heard.

The body of Amelia Amanda Dixon was found at her home in Cocken Road, Stockton, on June 21 by her friend, Josephine Conlon.

She was found dead on the sofa with her six-week-old son, Joey, still in her arms. She was last seen feeding her son at about midnight.

During an inquest at Teesside Coroner's Court yesterday, it was revealed that the 21-year-old died from adult respiratory distress syndrome caused by a viral infection.

Pathologist Dr Christopher Rettman said it was possible Amelia's medical history could have made her more vulnerable to the infection, but he said they were not the cause of her death.

The inquest heard evidence from Amelia's social workers and doctors who helped her through earlier medical problems.

Coroner Michael Sheffield said: "Evidence has been taken with regard to Amelia Amanda Dixon's previous medical history, because it was appropriate to do so to help establish the cause of death. But I am entirely satisfied from the evidence that Amelia did die of adult respiratory distress syndrome and I am absolutely satisfied that she did therefore die as a result of natural causes."

Amelia's father, Barry Dixon, a police officer with Cleveland Police, said: "It is a relief to know that it was totally out of her hands - that it was something she could not have avoided."

Mr Dixon said his daughter, who had a twin sister, Pippa, was a brilliant mother.

He said: "I think we are all coping very well because we have someone to focus on - Joey. Amelia's twin sister has been most hard-hit by it all - I don't suppose you every get over losing a sister."

Mr Dixon is now full-time guardian of seven-month-old Joey.

He said: "It was a bit of a shock to the system having to start again at 45, but a lot of it is fun - I am seeing the fun bits I missed the first-time round because I was in the Army at the time."