A MODEL pupil, who was found hanged at a local beauty spot, had a history of pranks and “swinging from trees”, an inquest heard.

Teenager James Jones was found hanged in woodland off Ellen Grove, close to Clifton Country Park, on April 28.

The Harper Green pupil was an “exemplary pupil” who had not previously attempted to harm himself and he was not bullied at school, Bolton Coroners Court was told.

Coroner Alan Walsh ruled that the 15-year-old did not have any intention to cause his own death.

James’s mother Wendy, aged 44, of Lawfield Crescent, told the inquest: “James was happy at school and worked hard. He was very level headed with no health issues and no domestic or friendship issues.”

The 15-year-old, of Lawefield Crescent, Clifton, left the house at 8.10am, but did not attend school.

He went to the Texaco garage near his home to buy a drink while a dog walker said he saw a young man playing in the woodland shortly before 9am.

There was no further record of anybody seeing James until his body was found at about 7.30pm by Robert Gordon, another dog walker.

Mr Gordon, of Corrie Drive, Clifton, said the area where James was found was where children would often play in trees.

A pile of James’ school books were found in the woodland and a note written by the teenager was discovered in his trouser pocket.

In the note, he wrote that he was “fed up” and also scribbled “don’t be sad”, however, part of the note was crossed out.

He also said that he left his belongings to his younger brother Michael.

Mr Walsh said: “James and his friends had a history of swinging from trees and I’m prepared to accept that this is how he came by his death.

“He died without any intention to cause his death. He died as a result of a misadventure.

“He was a model pupil and he was the member of a close family — a close family where he will be greatly missed.”

After the inquest, Mrs Jones said: “We are happy with the outcome of the inquest. I know James didn’t cause his death on purpose.”