LIFE without work proved too much for Peter Hodson, an inquest heard.

Mr Hodson, 51, of Laurel Street, Bacup, gassed himself with exhaust fumes in his car.

The hearing was told he was a depot manager for a frozen food firm until being made redundant three years ago.

His wife, Sharon, said her husband was a private person who did not always express his feelings.

Despite him being out of work, they had overcome financial problems. Four days before he was found dead on June 24 he had told her what the effect of being out of work had on him.

It was obvious it had upset him a lot, she said.

He kept busy working on the house and on Tuesday June 23 said he intended to repair locks on the car.

When Mrs Hodson arrived home from work he was not there. He was found in the car in an isolated area between Bacup and Burnley the following morning. Later she received a packet in the post including a note from Peter and various business papers.

East Lancashire Coroner David Smith said it was obvious from the note that he intended to do what he did.

Harry Riley, of Higher Sunnyfield Farm, Burnley Old Road, Bacup, said he saw the car in an isolated area.

The engine was still running and there was a pipe fixed to the exhaust.

It was obvious that the man in the driving seat was beyond help and he returned home to telephone for the emergency services.

Recording a verdict that Mr Hodson killed himself while depressed, Mr Smith said it had obviously come as a great shock to the family.

It was difficult when someone did not say how he was feeling.

It was thought he had accepted the situation but obviously the fact he had been made redundant and could not get work was something which was affecting him inside.

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