A Wigton pensioner was found deceased at home after taking his own life, an inquest heard.

William Beurskens, 71, died on August 14, at his home in Newton Arlosh.

He lived on his own "following an amicable separation from his wife", said coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw.

Marjorie, his wife of 26 years, had taken him shopping a few days earlier.

She had tried to telephone him two days before his death and then went round to his house, where she found him deceased.

The inquest in Cockermouth Coroners' Court heard Mr Beurskens was born in Scotland and had four brothers and a sister. His last job was in the haulage industry.

The inquest heard he had been referred to the Mental Health Crisis Team in February.

A report noted he was low in mood, had anxiety and problems sleeping.

"William admitted he had suicidal thoughts but no plans to act," it stated.

He was offered talking therapy but did not take it up.

His GP prescribed him anti-depressants, the inquest heard. A post mortem gave the medical cause of death as hanging.

In his conclusion, Dr Shaw noted that he was supported by his wife and on anti-depressants.

"He had previously had suicidal thoughts but had never spoken of any intention to act on them," he said.

He concluded his death was suicide.