A RAMSBOTTOM church worker committed suicide after a bout of depression.

Mrs Maureen Milner was found hanging at her Cotswold Close home on May 24 by her husband of Roy.

An inquest in Bury heard this week how the mother of four, who had been married for 31 years, had been seeking medical help for her depression.

Prior to her death she suffered a fall and hurt her hand. The injury prevented her going on holiday and this added to her worries, although she was looking forward to her son's wedding this month.

Giving evidence to Bury's coroner Mr Barrie Williams, Mr Milner said no-one feared for his wife's welfare and there was no indication that she would take her own life.

The inquest also heard how the 56-year-old was actively involved in her local church, St Andrew's, and was a member of the parochial church council.

She was also a crossing patrol warden covering the Nuttall Lane area of Ramsbottom.

Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Williams said: "Mrs Milner's family had no realisation of what she might have been contemplating.

"She was due to the see the doctor on the day of her death but she did not keep that appointment.

"She took advantage of the privacy and seclusion of her home. I believe she was aware of what she was doing."