A BRIDEGROOM was found dead just hours before he was due to be married to his partner of the last 30 years.

Stuart Carmichael, aged 73, from Daresbury, was found in his room at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel and Country Club, Otley Road, Leeds, on Saturday morning after failing to answer his phone.

Guests only discovered the tragedy after arriving at the church.

His bride-to-be Liz, a former nurse from Leeds aged in her mid 60s, decided to continue with the planned champagne reception as a celebration of the pensioner's life.

Mr Carmichael had been a resident in the Warrington area for most of his life. It was understood neither had been married before.

Mr Carmichael had a meal with friends on Friday night at the hotel. At 11am the next day he was found dead.

A coroner's officer spokesman said he died from natural causes and an inquest will not be held.