A MAN found dead at his Blandford flat on Boxing Day had previously been recognised for his heroic attempt to save a woman from drowning.

An inquest at County Hall in Dorchester ruled that 53-year-old Christopher Adrian Chard, whose family found him hanging from a door at his flat in Barnes Close on December 26 last year, took his own life.

After recording his verdict West Dorset Coroner Michael Johnston recalled that gardener Mr Chard was one of three men who tried in vain to rescue a woman from the River Stour back in December 2007 after her dog had fallen in the water.

Mr Johnston said he had recommended Mr Chard and the other men for a bravery award from the Royal Humane Society after carrying out an inquest into the woman’s death.

The inquest heard that Mr Chard had a history of depression and problems with alcohol and was last seen by staff from the local community mental health team on December 22.

Dr Melany Liebenberg said that, although Mr Chard reported feelings of “hopelessness” and “suicidal thoughts”, it was felt an admission would make him feel worse and the prospect of him spending Christmas with his family was seen as a positive step.

However, Mr Chard did not turn up at his family’s house for Christmas and when they went round to his flat the following day they discovered his body.