A pensioner who suffered bouts of depression took her own life by swallowing weedkiller, an inquest heard.

Janet Elizabeth Kaye, 66, a retired carer, was rushed by ambulance to Calderdale Royal Hospital on August 14 after telling her brother several times: "I've done it."

In a statement read to the inquest at Halifax Town Hall yesterday, Miss Kaye's brother, Giles Kaye, described how his sister, who lived alone, had suffered a depressive illness for many years and was under psychiatric care at the time of her death.

He said the cycles of depression occurred about every four years and she had received in-patient care on a number of occasions. He said the last bout began in May and she saw her consultant. He said he did not believe her to be taking any medication.

On August 14, Mr Kaye visited his sister at her home in Woodhouse Lane, Brighouse, at about 9.30am and found her in bed. He suggested she got up and dressed, but she refused.

He went downstairs to phone the community health carer and as he did so, Miss Kaye came downstairs. She told him she had woken early and was thinking of ways she could end her suffering.

She left the room and Mr Kaye assumed she had returned to bed. But a few minutes later she came back holding a plastic bag and told Mr Kaye she had done it. When he asked her what she meant she said she had taken some Clovotox weedkiller.

He called for an ambulance and Miss Kaye was pronounced dead at hospital.

Coroner James Turnbull said: "I understand that this lady was, throughout her life, a professional carer and contributed much to the lives of the people for whom she cared. It is particularly sad that she suffered this episode of depression which ultimately led to her death by her own hand."

He recorded a verdict of suicide.