THE son of a 51-year-old who died after taking an overdose has paid tribute to a man who 'lived life to the full'.

Avid Blackburn Rovers fan Michael Mitchell had been found by son Robert Mitchell at his home on Snape Street, Darwen, after overdosing on paracetamol and ibuprofen on August 18 last year.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital but died two days later, an inquest heard.

Speaking after the inquest, his son Jason Mitchell, described his father as a happy and bubbly dad-of-two who loved music.

He said: “Michael loved his music and made up songs about his friends.

“I would wake up in the morning and he’d be on his guitar and keyboard.

“He loved Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden and The Human League, and would go to concerts.”

“Michael would also think of himself as a chef and he would make and mix anything up.

“He was a happy and bubbly person who lived life to the full.”

Born and bred in Darwen, Michael worked as a joiner and in wood machinery as a labourer during his lifetime.

As well as being a dad to Jason and Robert, he was a grandad to Kai Wilson and Leon Wane and husband to Mandy Mitchell.

Son Jason added: “Michael loved Elvis Presley and wouldn’t have a bad word said about him.

“He was a big Blackburn Rovers fan and used to go to games all the time with his friends.

“He was the life and soul of any party and had a good sense of humour and would tell a lot of jokes.

“Michael also knew everything about antiques and would watch Antiques Roadshow and would always be giving a price for an item of furniture.”

The inquest at Blackburn Town Hall heard how Michael had a history of overdoses and alcohol abuse.

Recording a conclusion of misadventure, area coroner for Lancashire Simon Jones, said: “Michael was admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital on August 18 having taken an intentional overdose of paracetamol and ibuprofen which he had taken as a cry for help.

“He had not intended to take his own life.

“His condition subsequently deteriorated and he died in hospital on August 20.

“His death was as a result of the unintended consequences of a deliberate act which is misadventure.”

Mr Jones added: “The cause of Michael’s death was acute liver failure due to an overdose of paracetamol and ibuprofen."