A father became depressed after his long-term relationship broke down, an inquest heard.

Christopher Wood, 40, was found dead at his Baxenden home by his friend Paul Murray on April 4.

The shop worker had been suffering from depression and had been referred for counselling, Blackburn Coroners’ Court heard.

Speaking at the inquest, his father Graham Wood said his son had become depressed after his 22-year relationship broke down and he had blamed himself for the break up.

He said Mr Wood had feelings of guilt, could not be consoled and had been suffering from a lack of sleep.

But he said Mr Wood had never hinted at thoughts of self harm.

He added: “He was very unhappy.” In a statement, housemate his Mr Murray said Mr Wood had moved into his home on Manchester Road, Baxenden, at the end of March.

He said the friends – who had known each other for ten years – had a number of lengthy conversations in which Mr Wood.

He said: “He was very depressed, blamed himself for the relationship breakdown and often said he had ruined his life.”

But he added that Mr Wood had planned to visit his brother in Australia later that month.

A pathologist report confirmed that the cause of death was hanging.

Mr Murray said he had returned home from work on April 4 to find Mr Wood on the stairs and began to try to resuscitate him.

When police and paramedics arrived he was pronounced dead.

The court also heard that Mr Wood had left four notes which were found near his body.

Hyndburn Corner Ian Singleton concluded that Mr Wood had killed himself.