A PRESS photographer, awarded the MBE for his services to journalism, took his own life while being treated for depression, an inquest was told yesterday.

Bill Robson worked for the Ripon Gazette in North Yorkshire for three decades and had become a well-known member of the city's community as a result.

According to Mr Robson's family, coroner Geoff Fell said the 74-year-old began suffering bouts of depression after he left the paper, because he was worried about family finances.

An improvement in his condition coincided with his battle with the authorities over parking regulations - and his reputation as a champion of the people was to lead to more than one appearance on national television.

Meanwhile, Mr Robson of Lead Lane, Ripon, also continued to work as a freelance photographer, supplying pictures to newspapers across the North, including The Northern Echo.

However, towards the end of last year, he was back on medication as he began to worry once again about money and his own health.

The hearing was told, returning from a trip to Harrogate on November 25 last year, stepson Nicholas found Mr Robson lying on the floor of the garage with a ligature tied round his neck.

He dialled 999 and gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation but without success. Paramedics were also unable to revive Mr Robson.

A post mortem examination confirmed the cause of death was hanging.

Mr Fell recorded a verdict that Mr Robson took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed.