A CORONER has recorded a verdict of suicide on a prominent member of the community who was found hanging in the garage of his home.

Retired building society manager Mr Alan Bridge had suffered depression and anxiety following recent ill health. Mr Bridge, a former president of Radcliffe Rotary Club and Lancashire Indoor Bowling Club, was found by his wife Joyce at their home in Myrtle Grove, Whitefield, on August 2. He had left a note in his trouser pocket, indicating his intentions.

Bury District Coroner Mr Barrie Williams said that Mr Bridge was a prominent member of the local community whose ill health had led to anxiety and depression, for which he had received medication. Mr Bridge had never indicated an intention to self-harm in the past but the note he left made it clear that he intended to take his own life.

The Radcliffe-born father-of-three had become a clerk with the Co-Operative movement on leaving school before working for a building society, where he became manager. He retired ten years ago.

He was a keen sportsman and had been a football referee. He was also involved with his local church.

Mrs Bridge said that her husband had enjoyed good health until 12 months ago when he developed prostate cancer and then renal problems, both of which were successfully treated. But the bout of ill health had left him severely depressed.

Mrs Bridge said that she had gone to bed on August 1 and heard the alarm being de-activated the following morning.

She went downstairs and saw the garage was unlocked. Mr Bridge was inside, hanging by a rope from a beam.

Police ruled out third party involvement. A post mortem concluded that death was due to asphyxia due to hanging.