A ‘WORKAHOLIC’ agricultural contractor took his own life in the Golden Valley farm he rented, an inquest heard.

Police officers found the body of Alan White in a barn at New Buildings Farm, Pontrilas, in the early hours of March 7.

The inquest heard that Mr White, aged 58, of College Green, Hereford, had suffered with brucellosis through years of working with cattle.

Toxicologist Dr Simon Elliott said there had been evidence linking the condition with depression, although he couldn’t confirm that in this case.

Mr White’s mother, Ethel Evans, told the inquest her son was a hard worker.

“He was a workaholic,” she said. “His only day off would be Christmas Day.”

Deputy coroner for Herefordshire, Mark Bricknell, said Mr White took his own life.