A MAN who worked surrounded by asbestos at a Swindon factory died 18 years later from asbestos-related lung disease.

Graham Horne of Medina Way, Swindon, retired from Swindon Pressings in 1987 and was ill for three years with a heart and lung condition before he died aged 77 last June.

A day after his death a biopsy revealed he had been suffering from mesothelioma.

Mr Horne was married to Martina Horne, 75, and had two children, Kate Duncan, 53, and Clive Horne, 50, and four grandchildren.

He worked at Swindon Pressings from 1956 to 1987 and came into contact with asbestos on a regular basis, an inquest heard.

Coroner David Masters, said: "Very close to his work bench was a set of heating pipes lagged with asbestos.

"He would work a few feet from them and people would often comment on the dust they would find by his machine.

"That was asbestos dust. It was not until after his death that anyone realised his death was due to exposure to asbestos."

A verdict of industrial disease was recorded.

Speaking after the inquest Mrs Horne said she had been shocked to discover her husband was suffering from mesothelioma. I was gobsmacked.

"He had all sorts of tests and scans for lots of things but it was never mentioned.

"I am glad he didn't know he had the disease because he would have been devastated.

"It would have been mental torture for him.

"He had never been in hospital in his life before this and I'd never known him take a day off sick when he was working."

His daughter Kate said she only had happy memories of her father: "He was a great dad and we all had a lovely childhood.

"He loved golf and his car was his pride and joy.

"He also loved his garden and was a big fan of Concorde."

The family are now seeking compensation from Swindon Pressings through Swindon lawyer Brigitte Chandler of Old Town solicitors Charles Lucas.

The company is currently owned by BMW but has changed hands a number of times over the years so different insurance companies may be liable.

Diana Milne