Inquest proves colliery worker died following asbestos expsoure

An inquest into the death of a pensioner who died on his 75th birthday has concluded that he died from an illness related to asbestos diseases, despite having stopped work at a colliery more than four decades earlier.

Derby Coroners' Court heard that Colin Webster worked at the National Coal Board from the age of 18, but left to become a forklift driver in the 1960s.

Mr Webster spent 12 years working at the Coppice Colliery in Shipley, the inquest heard.

It was there that he was in "daily contact with asbestos" - making checks on pipes lagged with asbestos in the boiler house.

Mr Webster developed a cough and was then diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

He sadly died on his 75th birthday at the Royal Derby Hospital.

Recording a verdict of death from industrial disease, Coroner Dr Robert Hunter said: "I'm satisfied there was asbestos exposure during his employment and that led to the development of malignant mesothelioma."

Find out more about mesothelioma claims.