A 55-year-old man took his own life after he became increasingly depressed, an inquest was told today.

Retired civil servant Michael Mason was an alcoholic and had spilt up with his wife.

He had been sharing a house with a friend in Helen Street, Saltaire, but had continued to drink heavily.

Coroner Roger Whittaker was told that he had stopped taking his prescribed medication for his alcoholism and depression and had made an attempt on his life in the past.

He had been drinking with friends in the Ring O' Bells pub and the Tramshed pub in Saltaire the day before he died but had seemed very down. His body was discovered outside his house the next morning in November last year. He had hanged himself.

Mr Whittaker was told that Mr Mason was an intelligent man who had worked for the Inland Revenue but as his drinking increased so did his depression.

Recording a verdict that he took his own life Mr Whittaker said: "I have no doubt in my mind that his intention was to take his own life and all too sadly he succeeded in that."