A SON found his father hanged in a shed when he went to get bread to make his dad's sandwiches for work, an inquest heard.

Warrington Coroner's Court heard that Robert Ernest Portwood, aged 49, of Teal Grove Oakwood, took his own life. Mr Portwood had been suffering from osteo-arthritis and clinical depression.

His son, Steven Lee Portwood, said he found his father hanged in the shed when he went out to the freezer to get bread to make his dad's sandwiches on May 6.

The inquest heard that despite his condition, Mr Portwood refused to stop working and took a job as a HGV driver, working the night shift.

His wife, Jacqueline Ann Portwood, said: "He was a very proud man and did not like the idea of living on benefits."

She added that Mr Portwood had been to see his GP because he seemed low but added she "never would have imagined this would happen".

Mr Portwood had just returned from a weekend in Wiltshire where he had been visiting his oldest son and grandchild.

Mrs Portwood told the court she thought he had seemed better than he had for a few weeks.

Dr Ian Watson, from the Fearnhead Cross Medical Centre, said Mr Portwood had classic symptoms of clinical depression, including weight-loss, loss of appetite, and an inability to concentrate and sleep.

Cheshire coroner Nicholas Rheinberg said no note had been left and that there were no suspicious circumstances.

He added: "He was a stoical character who took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed.

"If he was not suffering from this terrible illness, there is no doubt he would not have done it."