THE owner of a boutique dog training company died after hanging herself with a dog lead at her Oxfordshire weekend abode, an inquest heard.

Lucille Kennedy was found in the sitting room of her home in Tetsworth, near Thame, on the morning of October 31 last year and died of asphyxia at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The 56-year-old ran training, kennelling and walking firm Happy Dogs and had appeared on TV programmes including Fern Britton Meets and The Apprentice.

At Oxford Coroner’s Court yesterday it emerged that she had been found dead by a friend, Gordon Summers, after struggling with anxiety and depression for several years as well as work-related stress and financial worries.

She was found hanged in the lounge from a beige pleated dog lead and collar. Efforts by paramedics and hospital staff to resuscitate her failed.

A suicide note was found at the property as well as CCTV footage in which she appeared to hang herself.

Coroner Darren Salter recorded a verdict of suicide, adding: “I am satisfied that she intended to take her own life.”