A Doncaster student who visited popular suicide spots as research for a photography project was found hanging from a tree, an inquest heard.

Former Armthorpe School pupil Christian Drane, aged 21, was at Southampton Solent University when his body was discovered in woods on the outskirts.

Mr Drane was a bright and popular student who was on target to do well in his photography degree, an inquest in Southampton was told.

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Christian Drane was studying in Southampton
PC Sam Weller said Mr Drane had been working on a project involving taking pictures of suicide sites.

He said: "One site was in Bristol, a notorious bridge where suicides happened quite frequently. He told a friend when he was stood on the bridge a member of the public had asked if he was all right."

PC Weller said Mr Drane's death on March 16, was an unsolved mystery.

Mr Drane, who had a part time job at a bar, was highly spoken of by friends.

He said: "They gave me no indication why he did this - nothing at all."

A suicide note read: "To mum and anybody that cares. I have done something I can never forgive myself for. I am a bad person. I am sorry. I love you."

Deputy Coroner Gordon Denson recorded a verdict that Mr Dreane took his own life and expressed condolences to his family.

A University spokeswoman said: "While at the university, Christian showed no signs he was unhappy or contemplating taking his own life - and he did not access any of the university's support services.

"Christian was a bright and popular student who was on target to achieve a 2:1 in his photography degree."