Medical problems preyed on the mind of Philip Roger Dean so much that he decided to end it all, an inquest heard.

Harrogate Coroner Geoff Fell heard that Mr Dean, 63, of School Lane, Addingham, drove to Askwith where he was found by farmer Geoff Church, of Moorside Farm, Askwith, who had been alerted by a neighbour Debbie Walker.

She and another woman spotted the car and believed Mr Dean was asleep and they decided to leave him. But they later called Mr Church.

Mr Fell recorded a verdict that Mr Dean, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning, took his own life.

He said he was in no doubt as to his intent after reading a note he had left in his diary found beside him in the car.

Mr Dean had had a heart pacemaker fitted and the note referred to various medical problems.

"They were obviously affecting the quality of his life and he was no longer as active as he used to be. They were preying on his mind and he saw no prospect of any improvement," said Mr Fell.