A STUDENT identity card was used to identify the body of a Bury man who had been missing for more than a month.

The card was found in a trouser pocket after the body had been recovered from a lodge.

An inquest was opened on Friday (Feb 23) by Bury District Coroner Mr Barrie Williams into the death of former hotel manager and Merchant Navy seaman Zbigniew Lazurek (50) whose body was recovered from Withins Lodge in Radcliffe on February 16.

Bury-born bachelor Mr Lazurek, of Peers Street, was identified from the plastic card containing his photograph, along with a wrist watch and glasses. Evidence of identification was given to the inquest by the deceased's brother, Mr Witold Lazurek, of Heysham.

Mr Lazurek said his brother, who had been unemployed, had a long history of depression. He was reported missing on January 13 and his body found at the lodge in Brookbottom Road.

Coroner's officer Mr Geoff Cave, said a note referring to Mr Lazurek's intentions was found at his home in Bury. The inquest heard that Mr Lazurek had been depressed as a result of severe pain and discomfort from a long-term mouth condition.

Mr Cave said identity was assisted by a photograph from the family which was matched to the picture on the student card, because he had been in the water some considerable time.

After a post-mortem, samples were sent off for toxicological analysis at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

The coroner, who was told that any third party involvement in the death of Mr Lazurek had been ruled out, adjourned the hearing for the result of the further medical enquiries, along with a medical background report from Mr Lazurek's GP.