MYSTERY still surrounds the death of a soldier, found hanged in his barrack block.

Paul Andrew Dennison, 18 - known to his friends as Andrew - was days away from a medical discharge from the Army.

An inquest in Richmond, North Yorkshire, was told doctors had discovered he suffered from an illness, which barred him from the services, although he had not mentioned it when he applied to join.

He was excused further training as a result and was not involved in exercises with the others in his unit as he prepared to go home.

However, Sergeant Paul Ferguson told the hearing the young recruit still appeared happy, telling instructors he wanted to leave anyway and was looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland.

Hours later, he was found hanged in his room at Vimy Barracks, Catterick Garrison.

North Yorkshire Coroner Jeremy Cave said that during an investigation, other recruits said Andrew Dennison told them he had tried to take his life when at home on Christmas leave.

However, his parents could not corroborate the story, nor give any evidence to suggest their son may have intended suicide.

"I cannot say if he meant to take his own life, if anyone else was involved or if this was something which happened by accident. As a result, I have no choice but to record an open verdict," said Mr Cave.