Praise for resort suicide priest

Tributes have been paid to a vicar who killed himself after deciding he could not advise parishioners on marriage following the end of his own.

Dr David Peacock, of St Peter's Church, Cleethorpes, killed himself on a railway line at Balne, near Selby, on 26 July last year.

An inquest at Harrogate Magistrates' Court recorded a verdict of suicide.

The Bishop of Grimsby said Dr Peacock was a "diligent pastor" and a "good friend".

'Imagination and leadership'

The Rt Rev David Rossdale said: "In the weeks since his death, the Christian community in Grimsby and Cleethorpes has become increasingly aware of the outstanding contribution which this priest made, not only to the church but also to our community.

"David Peacock's imagination and leadership continue to influence many projects and plans.

"We continue to mourn his death as we move away from these tragic events and continue to pray for his family as they live with this enormous loss."

On Wednesday an inquest heard how Dr Peacock drove to a section of the East Coast railway line at Balne, near Selby.

The jury were told he then laid on the track and was decapitated by a train travelling at more than 70mph.