A heartbroken widower who went missing from a care home drowned himself at a beauty spot, claiming he couldn't find a single reason to live.

The body of Fred Thurygill was spotted in Leybourne Lakes by a passer-by on the morning of March 21, sparking a large emergency response.

Staff at Lavenders Residential Care Home in West Malling - around two-and-a-half miles from the lake - had reported the retired civil servant missing the night before as concerns for his welfare were raised.

An inquest at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone was told he had attempted suicide twice before, following the death of his wife nearly a decade ago.

His niece, Sarah Flynn, said: "In the years since Uncle Fred's wife Sybil died, he has constantly expressed a wish to end his life so he could be with her.

"He gained no pleasure from anything in the world without her and despite attempts by the family, we were never able to change his mind.

"The family and I are satisfied Lavenders Care Home took all reasonable steps to safeguard him and give him the best quality of life possible."

The inquest was told how the 82-year-old had been a strong campaigner for euthanasia, which was something he spoke about with his GP, and lobbied his MP to try and legalise assisted suicide.

After Mr Thurygill's naked body was pulled from the lake, it emerged he had written his name and that of the care home in black marker pen all over his body and was wearing a wristband that said 'do not resuscitate'.

A black bin liner was found close to the bank filled with clothes he appeared to be wearing the night he went missing as well as two notes.

One read: "Do not resuscitate, I want to die" and the other explained that the authorities were aware of his body being in the lake and asked for the bag and its contents not to be removed.

The court was told police received a letter from Mr Thurygill at its Maidstone headquarters on the day of his death, saying where his body would be.

He also wrote: "Voluntary euthanasia would have been nicer for you, Lavenders Care Home, my relations and for me."

It went on: "I've wanted to die since my dear wife died in October 2009. I've thought of many reasons to die but not a single one to live longer."

Detective sergeant Jim Farley told the inquest it was not clear how long Mr Thurygill's body had been in the water after a post-mortem gave the medical cause of death as drowning.

Assistant coroner Bina Patel said: "I am satisfied that Fred Thurygill took his own life and intended to do so, therefore I deliver a conclusion of suicide.

"I offer my personal condolences to the family and friends, particularly in respect of his death in such tragic circumstances."

Mr Thurygill was found in March

If you need help on an emotional issue you can call the Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling