Friends were left shocked when a respected businessman killed himself, an inquest heard.

Michael Snowden, 67, had left clear instructions on what was to be done with his estate, and notes for family and friends.

Mr Snowden, who was found hanged on Monday, February 16, owned Snowden’s greengrocery in Main Street, Haworth.

He lived in a flat above the shop where he had worked for nearly 50 years.

Mr Snowden had also worked as a florist, after beginning flower- arranging at the age of 18. He had designed displays for Princess Margaret and ballerina Margot Fonteyn.

In a statement read to the inquest into Mr Snowden’s death in Bradford, Karen Beer, who was a friend of his for 20 years, said: “I would describe him as a mellow person.

“He was a respectable member of the community. He would never offend anyone and would always try to help people.

“I last saw him at 10pm on February 15 — he seemed fine and in good spirits and said he would see me at 8am the next day.

“I didn’t believe he would kill himself.”

In her statement she added that she had refused to accept some money and a diamond ring which Mr Snowden had attempted to give to her the night before his death.

The next day he was found dead in his flat by another friend.

Miss Beer’s statement continued: “Looking back there should have been signs.

“Michael had seemed to be upset recently, not through relationship problems but upset because of ill health.”

Mr Snowden had suffered high blood pressure and cramp in his legs, according to her statement to the hearing.

“Michael was a very good friend of mine, we shared everything,” she said.

“I do not believe he had any reason to take his own life, we even planned to do things the week ahead. This suicide is totally unexpected.”

In a further statement read to the hearing, PC Phillip Clapham, the first police officer to arrive at the scene, said: “On a table had been arranged various letters and notes. These included a will and instructions on how Mr Snowden’s estate should be dealt with.”

He said there was a note pinned to the front door for a friend, telling her not to enter because she would find him dead, and instructions about who she should call for help.

He added: “There were piles of memorabilia and instructions stating who the items should go to.”

Bradford Coroner Roger Whittaker recorded a verdict that Mr Snowden had taken his own life.