A "much-loved" firefighter died after taking cocaine, an inquest hearing has been told. 

Francois Childs, known as Frankie, was aged 44 when he died on September 3 this year. 

An inquest opening at Rochdale Coroners' Court this morning, Monday, heard that Mr Childs had been out drinking with colleagues in Manchester on September 2. 

Police coroners officer Bernadette Hatton told the hearing that upon returning to his house on Bannerman Avenue in Prestwich, he "took cocaine". 

Mr Childs, who was a firefighter on Green Watch at Broughton Community Fire Station, went to sleep later that night. 

In the middle of the night, his wife, Sarah Childs, was "disturbed in bed as she felt him go rigid" and he became unresponsive. 

Police and paramedics were called and he was pronounced dead. 

Toxicologist Abdul Ganjifrockwala gave his cause of death as cocaine-associated toxicity. 

Assistant coroner Michael Salt said: "This gentleman was 44 and I am told was fit and healthy.

"The circumstances of his death mean that an inquest is needed." 

Mr Salt said the case will be reviewed on Friday, October 25, but said the date of the full hearing will be "confirmed in due course". 

The former army reservist leaves behind his wife Sarah and two children, parents and three brothers. 

At the time of his death, Sarah Nattrass, assistant chief fire officer and director of service delivery at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of one of our colleagues and share our heartfelt condolences with Frankie’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Frankie was part of our GMFRS family for more than six years as a much-loved member of Green Watch, Broughton, and he will be very sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues.” 

His funeral took place earlier this month, with firefighters turning out in force to pay their respects. 

A GMFRS spokesperson said: "On Monday, at Blackley Crematorium, we said our final goodbyes to our colleague and friend, firefighter Frankie Childs. 

"Colleagues from across our service joined Frankie's family and friends for a funeral service to commemorate and remember his life.

"Frankie served on Green Watch Broughton and achieved many great things with our service, making a positive difference to our communities."