A BBC radio presenter found dead at her home hours after leaving work mid-way through her radio show intended to take her own life, a coroner has ruled.

Shropshire Coroner's Court was told that Vicki Archer, who left work during a drivetime show, had a history of depression and had made two previous attempts on her life.

The 41-year-old, who had emailed a colleague at BBC Radio Shropshire saying she was feeling upset, was found dead in her house in Woodcote Way, Shrewsbury, on August 6 this year.

Coroner John Ellery was told the divorced mother of three, who left work at about 5pm, was found by her stepfather, Lee Holyoake, around three hours later, after knocks at her door went unanswered.

The inquest was told that Mr Holyoake - who had arranged to visit the property to fix a cooker - used a neighbour's ladder to gain access through a bedroom window.

A statement read to the hearing on behalf of Ms Archer's stepfather said he made efforts to revive her but she was pronounced dead by paramedics at about 8.20pm.