FRIENDS and relatives paid their last respects to 29-year-old Ruth Phillips at her funeral service on Tuesday.

The popular mother-of-two died from stab wounds at her home in Salterforth last month.

Her former partner has since been charged with her murder.

Rev John Lancaster officiated at the well-attended funeral service, which took place at Barnoldswick's Holy Trinity Church, followed by cremation at Waltonwrays, Skipton.

Meanwhile, an inquest into Miss Phillips' death on Sunday August 13 has been opened and adjourned by East Lancashire Coroner David Smith.

The inquest heard that a post mortem examination revealed the cause of death as four stab wounds to the chest, and that there were other marks to Miss Phillips' body.

The mother of two daughters, aged four and two, was found dead at her home in Moor View in the early hours of August 13 after paramedics were called to the address.

Her former partner, 26-year-old Christopher Lee Waddington, was later charged with her murder and with making a threat to kill another person.

He was remanded in custody pending an appearance at Preston Crown Court.

Coroner Mr Smith said he was aware of those charges.

Adjourning the inquest, he said it was unlikely it would be reopened in view of the pending crown court proceedings.

Miss Phillips' mother, Mrs Jeanette Templar, of Esp Lane, Barnoldswick, told the inquest that her daughter first met Waddington six years ago and they had lived together on and off since that time.