The mystery of how an experienced walker got into heavy seas while walking from Robin Hood'sBay to Whitby remained unsolved after an inquest heard.

David Neil Hammersley had been staying at a guest house in Robin Hood's Bay and had been given a flask of coffee to take within him on his walk and warned by hotelier Lynne Chambers that he needed to allow three hours to avoid being cut off by the tide.

He failed to return and his near naked body was later recovered at Robin Hood's Bay two days after it had first been spotted.

Coroner Michael Oakley was told that the sea conditions were so rough that it had not b een possible to retrieve his body for two days.

Medical evidence showed that Mr Hammersley, 49, an electrical engineer, of Sandon Road, Southport, had been taking anti-depressant drugs but Mr Oakley said there was no evidence he had taken his life.

Recording an open verdict, Mr Oakley said "Mr Hammersley had been advised on timings to avoid being cut off by the tide. There is no evidence as to how he gfot into the sea".