An inquest has opened into the death of a former teacher who was facing trial for historic sexual offences.

David Harding, 81, was found dead at his home in Hillcrest Road, Kingsdown, on Wednesday, April 4 - five days before he was expected to stand trial at Guildford Crown Court in connection with 24 alleged offences.

At the opening of his inquest at the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone, the coroner heard that Mr Harding was found hanged.

He was discovered by police who had forced entry to the property, after he had sent a letter to his sister informing her of his intentions, the hearing was told.

Mr Harding had been charged with nine counts of indecent assault against boys under the age of 14 and 15 counts of inciting gross indecency against boys under the age of 14.

The incidents are alleged to have happened between 1968 and 1981 at a school in Surrey.

Mr Harding, an organist, was well-known because of his involvement in many groups and societies.

These included the Deal Savoyards, St Margaret’s Players, Goodwin Potholing Club and Kingsdown Conservation Group.

He also organised the choir at Kingsdown and Ringwould Primary School and produced Kent Magazine, a monthly magazine distributed to around 3,000 blind people in Kent.

The full inquest into Mr Harding's death will be heard on Monday, June 25.