AN East Lancashire pensioner killed himself after he became depressed when he was diagnosed with an eye condition, an inquest heard.

The hearing was told Thomas Jones, of Raven Park, Helmshore, was ordered to stop driving by doctors when he was diagnosed with glaucoma.

His grandson, Michael Gribben, told the hearing at Burnley Magistrates' Court, that Mr Jones 74, thought his condition was worse than the doctor's prognosis.

Mr Gribben said Mr Jones would help as a driver for his electrical engineering company and drive his wife, Patricia Jones, around.

He added that when he was ordered to stop driving he felt he was letting his wife down.

The court was told Mr Gribben had taken an overdose of 100 paracetamol before.

On May 21 last year he stayed at home while the rest of the family visited a relative in Blackpool.

They returned and Mr Gribben saw his grandfather hanging from a bedroom door handle, the inquest was told.

East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict that Mr Jones took his own life.