An unemployed Shropshire gardener who went on a 1,500-mile odyssey looking for work took his life after being unable to find a job, his family said today.

Tony Lakeland, of Weston-under-Lizard, who had been out of work for nearly two years, had done everything he could in his search to find employment.

His family say he took his own life, although a formal inquest has not yet been held.

The 51-year-old had tried to raise awareness of rural unemployment and transport problems as he hitch-hiked across the country, trying to find a job.

Joanne Lakeland, his sister, from Southampton, said today the family believed her brother felt he had nowhere else to turn for financial help.

She said: “Tony did everything he could to get back to work. He even attempted to travel the whole country to see if jobs and travel would be possible somewhere else.

Cope

“He met with the same story wherever he went. It’s hard to be unemployed in rural areas.

“After problems with his hitch-hike for work in September, we understand Tony could no longer cope with travelling to the job centre either for signing on or for the compulsory training.

“He thought the training was unnecessary and demeaning, as he already knew how to get a job if jobs were out there.

“However, failure to attend training led to him having his Jobseeker’s Allowance and other benefits stopped. His family think Tony believed there could be no further financial support, although there was.”

Mrs Lakeland said the failure to find a job led to her brother, who could no longer drive, taking his own life on December 1.

She said. “Despite these tough times, it’s worth trying to help others in the same situation as Tony.”

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “We can confirm Mr Lakeland was a Jobcentre Plus customer and our sympathies go to his family at this sad time.

“As there is a coroner’s report pending, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”

By Lisa Rowley