AN INQUEST into the death of a 24-year-old woman from Llangynidr, who had been missing for six weeks when her body was found in the River Usk, has been heard.

Alice Vulliamy's body was discovered on March 20 and the inquest was told that she had lost her ten-year fight with anorexia, leaving a tragic note to her family saying: "I couldn't battle anymore."

The inquest heard from the woman's father, Dr Christopher Vulliamy who told the hearing that at 9am on Sunday, February 6, his wife had gone to wake up his daughter, but discovered that she was not in her bed.

He added that they looked around and noticed her car was not in the driveway and discovered her final note to them that read: "I could not battle any more. They have pushed me too far."

Powys Coroner Peter Maddox said that it was probable that Miss Vulliamy had taken her own life but the lack of witnesses meant he could not be certain of her intention and delivered a narrative verdict.

He explained that whilst it would be logical to assume that this was someone taking their own life, he had to follow the letter of the law.

He added that he had to be certain about Miss Vulliamy's intentions and because there were no witnesses, it was impossible for him to return a verdict of suicide."

The six week search for Miss Vulliamy ended when her body was found in the River Usk on March 20.

PC Andrew Pole of Crickhowell Police Station told the hearing: "When the rescue teams located a person in the water near Pencelli it was obvious this person was the deceased."