AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of Aintree Racecourse chairman and wife of North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson.

Rose Paterson, aged 63 of Ellesmere, was found ­dead in woodland near her home in Sodylt, Ellesmere, last Wednesday.

Shropshire coroner John Ellery heard that Mr Paterson had reported his wife as missing on the evening of Tuesday, June 23, after not seeing her since 10pm the night before.

Police officers and the West Mercia Search and Rescue teams searched woodland near the couple’s home and her body was found shortly after 3am on Wednesday, June 24.

Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances related to the incident.

The inquest has been adjourned until September 22.