One of Britain’s top lawnmower racers, who struggled to talk about his emotions, died due to suicide an inquest heard.

Mark Rostron, 35, had been one of the sport's top competitors and won the British Lawn Mower Association event as part of the Northerners Kick Grass team in 2016.

The event saw lawnmowers reach speeds of up to 53mph as they were driven for 12 hours straight in the annual charity race.

Yesterday's inquest heard that, on August 20, Mark’s father Andy was alerted by his boss, Mick Ainsworth, that he hadn’t turned up for work. This was uncharacteristic and when Andy arrived at his property, he found his son hanged.

Andy had been in contact with Mark in the lead-up to his death and spoke to him regularly on the phone about a new gearbox being delivered and making plans to go for dinner.

But a breakdown in Mark’s relationship due to long distance meant that his mental health deteriorated.

A statement from Mark’s partner was read out by coroner Laura Fox.

It said: “We had previously had conversations about if our relationship would work long distance and concluded it probably wouldn’t. It was sad as we both did love each other very much.

"On the 19th I explained it would end, and he was upset and he put the screen on the ceiling so I couldn’t see his face.

“Mark was aware this was coming, he was never one to talk to me about his feelings, he was a very private person. I would express mine to him, but he would never express his.”

Evidence from his GP, Darwen Healthcare stated that he did not have any chronic medical conditions but had reached out to the Mind Matter charity and was placed on a waiting list for cognitive behavioural therapy and given a crisis number he could ring.

It was stated that Mark had attended 11 therapy sessions with the two charities, unbeknown to his partner and father.

 Andy said: “He was a clever lad, and he knew what he was like. He was a very private person, and he didn’t express his feelings.”

The GP also stated that he had been sent a letter for an autism assessment, but this was never completed.

Ms Fox said: “Despite having plans in place with family and friends during the week he died, he was silently troubled by the breakdown of his relationship. It does state that the findings of his post-mortem were consistent with this.

“I have sufficient evidence on the balance of probabilities to find he intended to take his own life, and he succeeded by the means he adopted.”

She recorded the conclusion of death by suicide.

If you are struggling with your mental health, contact Samaritans on 116 123.