THE former chief executive of JJB Sports, Duncan Sharpe, who was found hanged a year ago, has left an estate valued at £2.8million.

Probate has been granted to Mr Sharpe's widow Jayne Sharpe, who lives at Waddington Old Hall, Waddington, Clitheroe, and his parents-in-law David and Patricia Whelan, who live in Wigan.

The father-of-four was found in October last year by a local farmer, hanging from a tree in his field, near Bolton-by-Bowland, several miles from the home Mr Sharpe, 43, shared with his wife and children Laura, Matthew, David and Paul.

At the inquest into his death, Mr Sharpe's father-in-law, former Blackburn Rovers defender Dave Whelan, told of the catastrophic depression which caused his son-in-law to hang himself from a tree.

Mr Whelan said that Mr Sharpe turned from being "full of life" to an uncharacteristically "very, very worried" person.

The inquest also heard from a psychiatrist who said Mr Sharpe's depression caused him to look at events in a negative and catastrophic way, even though there was no foundation for such pessimism.

Mr Sharpe was worried about his ability to fulfil his role in JJB, as well as his family, and a kidney stones problem.

He had been due to present JJB's half year profits to the city the week he died.

Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict of suicide. He said it was a most terrible tragedy because Mr Sharpe seemed to have everything to live for.