THE family of a popular Gwent father say he will be "dearly missed" after an inquest heard how he killed himself while depressed.

Newport Coroner's Court heard how Bryn Gale, 59, a cleaner in Cwmbran Shopping Centre, was found hanging by his daughter, Emma Gale, at his home in the town on December 18.

The inquest was told Mr Gale had been taking medication for his depression and that he had spent time at the mental health unit in Talygarn, Pontypool, as both an inpatient and outpatient over the last 10 years.

Deputy coroner Wendy James recorded a verdict that Mr Gale killed himself while depressed.

Miss James said: "It's apparent that Mr Gale had battled against depression for many years, but sadly it was a battle he was unable to win."

Mr Gale left two daughters - Emma Gale, 30, and Sarah Newman, 27, of Trannon Court, Cwmbran - and four grandchildren.

"He was a kind and loving father, and loved by so many people," said Miss Gale, of the Highway, New Inn.

The part-time care assistant said her father had a "great sense of humour".

"He was the clown, always joking," she added.

"Sarah and I would see him every day. He was a big part of our lives."

Mr Gale's depression worsened, she said, following the breakdown of his marriage in 2000.

Despite their split, his ex-wife Marion Childs, 57, also from New Inn, said they had remained "best friends".

"I met him when he was 15, and we were happily married for 25 years," said Mrs Childs.

"He was a wonderful dad."

"We're going to miss him very much," said Miss Gale.

"Of course I forgive him. There's a little bit of bitterness but whatever he was going through I just feel so sad."