A 45-year-old Darwen man died after taking massive doses of prescription medication.

An inquest heard that John Clark, of Hope Street, had taken dihydrocodeine and dothiepin. He was found dead at his home.

There was no evidence of alcohol in Mr Clark's body, a finding which shocked his brothers and a friend.

Ernest Clark said his brother was a heavy drinker and would take whatever tablets he could get hold of.

"My brother and I tried to talk sense to him but it was like talking to a brick wall," said Mr Clark.

"He never thought of the consequences of what he was doing."

Recording a verdict of misadventure, coroner Michael Singleton said Mr Clark "did not formulate any intention to bring about his own demise."