Norfolk coroner William Armstrong has called for more support for the families of suicides, after noticing an increase in the number of cases in recent months.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 35 in Britain, and Mr Armstrong, supported by the coroner's chaplain, the Reverend Chris Copsey, has convened a conference on the subject, 'Responding to Suicide: Exploring the effects and supporting the survivors', which will be held at the coroner's court in Thorpe Road, Norwich on October 24.

Mr Armstrong pointed out that 70pc more people took their own lives than died in road traffic collisions.

He said: 'While there are no up-to-date statistics, I have got the impression that there have been more cases of suicide in the last few months.

'We need to look at the support that we are giving to those bereaved by suicide, considering the special and complex needs of those grieving the loss of someone who has taken their own life and looking at what more we can do to help them.'

The conference will be attended by medical, nursing and social work professionals together with bereavement experts, clergy, Victim Support and those leading voluntary organisations.

As reported, last month more than 40 people who had seen their lives turned upside down when a loved one took their own life gathered at Ellough Airfield, at Beccles, to take part in a mass skydive, to raise awareness and funds to set up a specialist support service in Norfolk.

They were also remembering Nick Dobson, 26, Paul Outlaw, 31, Jimmy Lain, 31, and Nick Thomas, 28, who all took their own lives.