Schoolboy found hanged after a "mad weekend" of drinking and drug abuse with pals

A schoolboy was found hanged after he and three pals had a "mad weekend" on drink and drugs, an inquest heard.

Declan Edwards, 16, shared 35 ecstasytype tablets and four to five grams of amphetamines with the others after starting the binge at a house party.

After buying more drugs and drink the next night, they went to a park until Declan ran away.

He was found later hanged from a tree. Mum Mandy told the Burnley hearing: "He was a very loving, caring boy. He was looking forward to his school prom. He was perfectly happy."

She added: "I didn't know two of the friends. They just decided to have a mad weekend. It was out of character."

"Recreational level" traces of Class A drug MDMA and amphetamine were found in Declan's system, a pathologist found.

Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict that he did not believe Declan, of Burnley, intended to take his own life last May.