Amanda Beswick, 30, was discovered dead at the family home she shared with her husband and two children in Cavendish Street, Chorley at the weekend.

Police were called to the red-bricked terraced street just after midday on Sunday.

Today, her best friend said Mrs Beswick lived for her daughters, Mia, three, and Lydia, four months.

The woman, 32, who would give her name only as Bev, said: "She was a fantastic person and she'd just had a baby.

"She was a loving wife and mother who was devoted to her children.

"Everything was about her kids - she more than lived for them. The babies are gorgeous.

"Anything they wanted, they got. If Amanda had to go without, she went without - the kids were her life.

"She gave me great support, kindness and love. We texted every day and spoke every day.

"I looked forward to her texts and phone calls every day because she made me laugh, she made me smile and she made me cry.

"I'm devastated because I've lost my closest friend and I'll miss having the texts and phone calls.

"She was the all-round best mate and I'll make sure her kids never forget their mother."

She said Mrs Beswick was a full-time mum, while her husband of four years, Steven, 30, was currently off sick from work.

Bev, who also lives in Chorley and had known Mrs Beswick for eight years, said: "They were a happy family unit.

"The kids were loved, they went on holiday to Spain."

It is believed Mrs Beswick's parents are currently looking after the children.

The cause of Mrs Beswick's death is not yet known but a post mortem examination was due to be carried out on Monday.

Neighbours spoke of their shock and devastation at the tragedy.

Next-door neighbour Anthony Lister, 65, said: "She was a very friendly woman and I'm very shocked about what has happened.

"It's usually a very quiet street and it's very sad, I don't know what's going to happen to her two girls."

Another neighbour said: "Three police cars were on the street at midday yesterday and police wearing stab vests got out of an unmarked car."

Mrs Beswick is believed to be a former Southlands High School pupil.

A man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and has since been bailed and released into the "care of the local authority".

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