THE owner of a controversial animal incinerator gave a cheerful thumbs-up to a friend shortly before he was found shot dead in his office, an inquest heard yesterday.

Edward Noddings was found by police at the offices of J E Noddings and Son, in Charltons, Guisborough, east Cleveland, last July.

The incident came only months after he won a protracted battle to build a large animal incinerator on his land.

His plans, which he said were essential for the survival of his business, divided the opinions of people in the village and led to an 18-month battle.

An Appeal Court judge ruled that planning permission for the incinerator had been approved correctly.

An inquest in Middlesbrough yesterday heard how Mr Noddings had given the thumbs-up to Allen Reed, the owner of a Guisborough fitness club, shortly before his death.

Mr Reed told the inquest that the 54-year-old was known by staff at the Allama Fitness Studio for his laughing and joking.

But, he revealed Mr Noddings had confided in him about problems he had with his business.

However, Mr Reed said he got the impression the problems had been resolved.

He said: "Edward seemed optimistic about the future and did not seem at all depressed."

As he entered his office, in a portable building, moments before he died, Mr Noddings cheerily greeted employee John Pearson, whose room he had to pass.

Police investigating the death discovered bread, milk and a bunch of fresh flowers in the boot of Mr Noddings' car.

Sergeant Andrew Wills, of Cleveland Police, told Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield that a receipt found with the items indicated the shopping had been bought that afternoon.

Mr Sheffield said: "The primary purpose of an inquest is not to ascertain why a person took a certain course of action, the purpose of an inquest is to ascertain what happened.

"It does seem from the evidence which has just been given by Sgt Wills that the action Mr Noddings took may have been spontaneous action which had not necessarily been thought out. That may never be known for certain."

Pathologist Dr Jan Lowe told the inquest in Middlesbrough that Mr Noddings was mildly intoxicated when he died. Mr Sheffield recorded a verdict that Mr Noddings, of Stable House, Charltons, killed himself.