NEWSPAPER photographer Bill Robson hanged himself amid anxiety over how he would cope after losing his staff job at the age of 70, an inquest in Harrogate heard.

Mr Robson, who spent most of his life with the Harrogate-based Ackrill Media Group, became depressed in 1998.

The illness began soon after leaving his work, said coroner Geoff Fell after reading statements from his widow, Kathleen, stepson, Nicholas, and a psychiatrist who had been treating him at Harrogate District Hospital.

Mr Fell, who recorded a verdict that Mr Robson, 74, of Lead Lane, Ripon, took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed, also referred to worries over a pending court case, though no details were disclosed.

The coroner said that while his mother was out visiting a friend Nicholas had returned home and could not find Mr Robson in the house, or a shed he used for his photography. He went to the garage and found him lying on the floor with a piece of blue nylon rope round his neck.

Attempts at resuscitation, which were carried on until an ambulance arrived, failed to revive Mr Robson.

Updated: 11:15 Thursday, February 27, 2003