A mother whose son was found hanging from a tree said he "lived in a frightened world".

Susan Gelder said she was told by doctor years earlier that her son, Dean, would probably commit suicide at some time.

Dean Gelder, 24, of Sandown Court, Preston, was found in Carr Wood, Lostock Hall, on Sunday, August 21. He had not been seen alive for more than two weeks.

An inquest on Monday heard his body was in a state of decomposition and had to be identified using dental records.

Susan Gelder, 52, of Manor Avenue, Fulwood, said her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 12.

"A GP said he would probably commit suicide at some point, we had expected it for 12 years," she added.

He had lived on his own for eight years and would visit the family every Thursday morning.

Mrs Gelder last saw her son on Thursday, July, 28. He was due to visit again a week later. When he had not appeared she rang the police. She said he was often depressed but had no financial or drug problems.

She said he had liked to go into woods to practice survival techniques like television personality Ray Mears.

Sergeant Ryan Reid said when he arrived on the scene Mr Gelder was hanging from a tree with his feet about three or four feet off the ground. He said there were no suspicious circumstances and added that Mr Gelder's left arm was placed over a branch supporting part of his body's weight.

Deputy Coroner Derek Baker said this showed he may not have intended to kill himself. He recorded an open verdict.

After the case Mrs Gelder added: "He was very lonely. We feel Dean is not suffering anymore."