A FARM worker terrified that he might be blamed for the spread of foot-and-mouth disease hanged himself, an inquest heard yesterday.

Andrew Keighley, 33, a father of two, was found by his father, William, hanging from a hay elevator at the family's Manderlea Farm, in Castley Lane, Poole-in-Wharfedale, North Yorkshire, on May 28.

In his pickup truck nearby was a note telling of his love for his partner, Hilary, and their daughters, Katy and Rebecca.

Harrogate Coroner John Sleightholme, who recorded a suicide verdict, read part of the note to the court.

"I just can't go on with this torment in my head with this foot-and-mouth disease. I don't want blaming for going about my job which I love so much," it said.

Mr Sleightholme said Mr Keighley had been laid off from his main job at Wharfedale Farmers' Auction Mart, in Otley, when the foot-and-mouth outbreak brought its closure.

But he had continued his part-time work at three farms. He had been fastidious about ensuring he was disinfected.

"Nevertheless, he became distressed at the thought that people might put the blame on him for spreading the disease, were it to spread," said Mr Sleightholme.

Read more about foot-and-mouth here.