A WOMAN with a history of mental illness killed herself the day before she was due to start a new job.

Garry Rollinson told an inquest in Blackburn that his wife, Janet, aged 41, had been worried about the job but was caught in a catch 22 situation.

She feared that an incapacity benefits review may rule her fit for work and stop her benefits but was also concerned that the review might categorise her as long-term incapacity.

"The job was her way out but instead it caused her even more concern," said Mr Rollinson of Meadow Way, Edgworth.

Mrs Rollinson had received in-patient and out-patient psychiatric treatment after the birth of their children, now aged 16 and 13.

On the day of her death Mr Rollinson had been repairing a washing machine and his wife had come in several times and urged him to "stop faffing around".

He later found her hanging from the stairway by a piece of washing line.

Mr Rollinson said his wife had at times suffered morbid thoughts but they had talked them through and she always said she would not take her own life because of her husband, children and friends.

Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict that Mrs Rollinson killed herself.