THE organiser of the glittering opening of Manchester's Lowry Centre threw himself off the building's 150ft tower because he could no longer cope with the stress of his job, an inquest heard.

Father-of-three Lea Parkinson (32), of Grundy Avenue, Prestwich, jumped from the tower of the arts complex in Salford Quays in October last year.

His partner, Maria Foran (33), told Salford Coroner's Court on Wednesday (April 11) that Mr Parkinson was given no help by the Lowry's senior management to cope with his heavy workload.

Ms Foran claimed that her partner, who was head of the centre's arts team, had no time to visit the doctor because he was so busy at work.

Mr Parkinson's manager, Mr Robert Robson, told the inquest that the choreographer had successfully organised the opening in April last year.

Mr Robson said that he believed Mr Parkinson, who had three young daughters, would have come to him if he had any serious work problems.

But Coroner Aidan Cotter noted that the centre's working records showed he had regularly worked between 54 and 65 hours a week leading up to his death.

He recorded a verdict of suicide, saying: "I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Lea Parkinson did take his own life."