A MAN hung himself from a tree, close to where the ashes of his former wife are scattered in a churchyard, an inquest heard.

Trevor Derek Grimshaw, 39, killed himself in the yard of St Mary's Church, Princes Risborough, last October.

His suicide followed years of drifting from place to place, not holding down a job and heavy alcohol use.

At Amersham Coroners' Court last Wednesday, his mother Doris Grimshaw, said that her son had been very upset by the death of his estranged wife.

She had died in a tragic accident several years ago.

She said that he was unable to settle in one place and often ended up back in Princes Risborough, staying with her in Clifford Road.

And she told the inquest that when he was at home with his mother he often visited the grave of his ex-wife, spending hours in St Mary's Church with his dog.

Mrs Grimshaw said that her son's suicide came as a total shock to her and the family.

She said: "He did used to drink a lot I am afraid.

"I was so surprised that he did it when he did.

"I could not believe it when I was told.

"It was just so out of character. He was upset about his wife.

"He thought a lot of her but that was such a long time before."

Mr Grimshaw was last seen on the afternoon of his death by a relative called Ashley Little, who was also visiting a loved one. He told how he saw Mr Grimshaw was sitting under a tree in the church yard of St Mary's church with his dog and several bottles, including Jack Daniels.

Mr Little left the churchyard, but returned around a half-an-hour later.

In a statement he said: "I walked nearer to the dog. At first I thought Mr Grimshaw was sitting there.

"But then I realised what had happened. I tried to go over to him but the dog would not let me get any closer."

Richard Hulett, the coroner for Buckinghamshire, found that Mr Grimshaw had taken his own life.