MYSTERY still surrounds the death of a 61-year-old man found face down in the River Darwen after he failed to turn up for work.

An inquest heard that a post mortem examination showed Kenneth Ainsworth died from drowning. He also had a cancerous tumour but neither his family or workmates had any idea he was unwell.

Mr Ainsworth set off for work at Crown Wallcoverings, Darwen, as usual on the day of his death.

Former colleague Phillip Ireland, of Glenshiels Avenue, Hoddlesden saw Mr Ainsworth on his way to work. But when he shouted, Mr Ainsworth "looked right through" him before walking off.

Raymond Kay, of Sudellside Street, Darwen, worked with Mr Ainsworth at Belgrave Mill for 40 years. At about 8.15am he saw him outside the warehouse, but walking away.

Mr Kay and workmate, Paul Johnson, of Redearth Road, started a search when Mr Ainsworth did not arrive at work.

Mr Johnson said Mr Ainsworth, of Anchor Avenue, was a creature of habit and that was why he was immediately concerned.

Mr Ainsworth's body was found in the river at the back of Sainsburys. With it was a blue holdall containing food, a newspaper for that day and two Christmas cards, one from him to a woman at work and one he had promised to deliver for a neighbour.

His sister, Jean Rubery, said her brother kept in touch by phone and letter and she had no idea he had cancer. He had been looking forward to Christmas and the New Year.

Recording an open verdict, coroner Michael Singleton said nobody could give a satisfactory explanation as to why or how Mr Ainsworth had gone into the river.

He said: "Witnesses have told me Mr Ainsworth was a creature of habit and his behaviour at the start of that day was consistent with his usual routine. What subsequently happened we will never know."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.