The family of a man who made many smile paid an emotional tribute to him as an inquest into his death took place.

Much loved David Bootle was just 58 when he died on September 15.

An inquest at Bolton Coroners Court heard Mr Bootle, who lived on Hillside Avenue in Blackrod, had struggled with his mental health, including suffering with anxiety and depression. 

He had previously worked as a sheet metal fabricator but was off work at this time of his death due to a shoulder injury. 

The hearing was told Mr Bootle had suffered an "acute deterioration" of his mental health shortly before his death at his home.

His sister, Jane Lenoan described him as a "funny man who loved to joke around" and who "loved Cornwall and the Cornish beach lifestyle". 

She told the inquest how he had been "fit and well before Covid" but suffered a hernia during Covid. 

He remained off sick until the site he worked at was closed down and he was made redundant. 

The inquest heard that he suffered with anxiety and depression and was taking medication for them. 

He also expressed feelings of "hopelessness" to mental health practitioners but  denied having suicidal thoughts or self-harming. 

Concluding, Coroner Peter Sigee said: "He was having a mental health crisis with low mood and he was on antidepressant medication. That low mood persisted. 

"He told that he was not contemplating ending his life. There was an acute deterioration in David's mental state between the time of his last contact with support services that may have overwhelmed David before his death." 

Mr Sigee gave a narrative conclusion, saying: "Mr Bootle's death was caused by his deliberate self suspension by a ligature  whilst overwhelmed by an acute deterioration in his mental state."

Speaking after the inquest, Ms Lenoan said: "We miss him and we wish he was here."