THE cause of a gifted Hampshire teenager's death will remain a mystery, an inquest has ruled.

Alice Rae, who suffered from anorexia, was found dead at her home by her mother who had gone to wake her up.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard today that the two-year illness had left the 18-year-old lethargic and unable to walk more than 50 yards.

Alice's father criticised care given to his daughter a fortnight before she died.

Peter Rae, of Houghton, near Stockbridge, said: "We had very grave concerns - about her discharge, with very good basis.

"We had been told on admission she would be in for a number of days. We were very surprised she was discharged after 20 hours with no instructions other than to resume the treatment programme that was not working."

Dr Carol Ward, a GP at Stockbridge surgery, said: "I have to say I was surprised that she was discharged that early.

"I did ring on December 30 and spoke to the medical admissions unit and was told she was an in-patient with no plans for discharge."

The 18-year-old, who was set to go to Cambridge University was admitted to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester on December 29 last year.

Recording a narrative verdict, Sarah Whitby, assistant deputy coroner for Central Hampshire, said: "She had been suffering from anorexia from at least May 2006 for which she was receiving treatment at varying levels of success."

Speaking outside Winchester Coroner's Court, Alice's mother Christine said: "She was a very bright and engaging young girl and we will miss her very much."