A 40-YEAR-OLD man who hanged himself in Lullingstone Country Park left a suicide note in his car, an inquest heard.

Alfred Mantell was found in a wooded area of the park in Eynsford on July 17.

Mr Mantell, of Ramsden Road, Erith, was found on his back with a washing line around his neck.

His glasses were found in a nearby tree and a plastic bag containing a knife, cider, towels and pills was also found at the scene.

The keys to his Vauxhall Cavalier were found hanging on the door of the country park's visitor centre.

Inside the car a suicide note was found, which talked about Mr Mantell's battle with anxiety and depression.

CCTV in the park did not capture what happened as it was pointing in the other direction.

The inquest heard care worker Mr Mantell had previously tried to take his own life in 1998.

His GP, Dr Elizabeth Cameron, told the Gravesend inquest Mr Mantell had visited her several days before his death, saying he was having difficulty sleeping.

She said Mr Mantell had a history of anxiety, depression and self-harming.

Dr Cameron said: "His death is a great tragedy. He will be very much missed."

North Kent coroner Roger Hatch recorded a verdict of suicide.