A woman was found dead at a Premier Inn 58 miles from her home, just two days before Christmas.

Police discovered Caroline Bottone, who lived near Hailsham in East Sussex, at the hotel in Cherry Garden Lane in Folkestone on December 23.

An inquest opening on Tuesday heard that the 56-year-old had first been reported missing on December 9, with family unable to locate her or her car.

After being found at a Premier Inn in her hometown and returning home, she was last heard from on December 21.

Her daughter again flagged this disappearance with police, who were able to see her vehicle on ANPR systems at the Folkestone Premier Inn.

Talks with hotel bosses revealed she had checked herself into the premises on December 20, but knocks on the door went unanswered.

Entry was eventually gained using a key card provided by staff, where Mrs Bottone was found not breathing.

Paramedics moved her to the floor and attempted to revive her but efforts were unsuccessful and the 56-year-old was declared deceased.

Despite a post-mortem and toxicology reports, coroner Katrina Hepburn told the inquest, held at Oakwood House, Maidstone, that the medical cause of death has still not been not ascertained.

Mrs Bottone worked as an administrator and was a widow, having been married to retired builder Anthony Bottone.

A full inquest will be held on May 20.