AN Evesham woman, whose life had been marred by tragedy, hung herself from a tree, an inquest heard.

Margaret Evans, aged 36 from Hampton, had been treated for depression following the death of her husband Richard in a traffic collision two years ago.

She had also suffered the loss of an unborn child, Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round added before recording a verdict of suicide on Tuesday.

The mother of four was discovered hanging from a low branch by her 17-year-old daughter Charlotte, just 50 yards from her caravan at Red Lane.

The teenager reported that there was no indication that her mother was suicidal. Mr Round said "She spent most of the day at home with her mother who appeared fine."

He added that doctors who had treated Mrs Evans for depression and anxiety were also surprised to hear of the suicide.

Charlotte made the grim discovery after returning home from her grandmother's house at 6.45pm on July 22. A few hours earlier she had been the last person to speak to her mother on the phone, when she sounded cheerful and ended the conversation by telling her daughter that she loved her.

Mr Round said people often seemed cheerful before they committed suicide.

"They are often calmer and happier when they have made up their mind to do it. People often say 'I have never seen her so cheerful for a long time'

"I think it is the peace of having made up their minds. It is strange and upsetting, but it is true."