A tribute to a former chief planning officer at Ashford Borough Council was read at his inquest.

Michael Lake hanged himself at a disused farm about a mile from his house.

He had been reported missing on January 25 after a close friend found he wasn’t at his home in the Ash Hill area of Ruckinge.

The 54-year-old was found by emergency services at Brooker Farm on Romney Marsh less than 24-hours after going missing.

At an inquest at Maidstone’s Archbishop’s Palace in August, assistant coroner Sonia Hayes read out a tribute to Mr Lake - who went by Mick to everyone who knew him - from his best friend of 25 years, Mark Carty.

“It was a privilege to know him for 25 years,” Mr Carty wrote in his tribute.

“He was like a brother to me, and has left a lasting impression on everyone he interacted with.

“He raised about 10 million pounds while at Ashford Borough Council, which was all part of his very strong community motivation.

“Mick was loved and admired by those who cared about him and whose lives he touched.”

The inquest heard Mr Lake had been battling depression for a number of years, and had suffered three breakdowns prior to his death.

Mr Lake had three degrees including a masters which helped him “understand his own problems”.

As well as working with different mental health charities including Folkestone and District Mind, he also left behind a legacy of successful fundraising efforts, chief among which was for Stanhope Boxing Club, where he helped save the club’s venue.

Ms Hayes recorded a conclusion of suicide.

She said: “Some time over a day or two, he made preparations for this by writing notes.

“He knew he was going to have a visitor to his house, and as he didn’t want to be found by a friend, he decided to exit the premises.

“I would like to offer Mick’s family and friends my sincere condolences - it is never easy.

“It is clear Mick had family and friends who cared very dearly about him.

“It seems like he did battle, and indeed lived quite a full life and strived to help others.”

Mr Lake is survived by his parents, a sister and his friends.

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