A PSYCHOTHERAPIST who advertised as having "25 years private practice experience, treating diverse emotional problems and disorders" hanged himself for no apparent reason.

An inquest heard that Geoffrey Clive Crook had appeared to his wife of 26 years to be in "a bit of a mood" when he refused to go to Preston with her.

But when Barbara Crook returned to their home in Gorse Road, Blackburn, three hours later, she found her husband hanging from the bannister.

Mr Crook, 58, practised from his home address and described himself as an analytical psychologist offering psychoanalysis, psychotherapy and counselling.

He was also a member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy.

Barbara Crook said her husband had no major illnesses, a fact confirmed by his GP in a report to the inquest.

She said her husband was under a little bit of pressure in his work because he was a dedicated man and anxious to accommodate all his patients.

But she had no concerns about his mental or physical health.

"He was very healthy, taking vitamins and minerals, and we tried to have a healthy lifestyle," said Mrs Crook.

Coroner Michael Singleton asked if anything had come to light since that offered any explanation.

"I wish it had," said Mrs Crook.

"There is no indication of any financial problems or anything else."

The medical cause of death was given as hanging and the coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.