ASBESTOS contributed to the death of a Swindon man who spent 28 years working in the Great Western Railway works.

Coroner David Masters recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease after hearing evidence at the inquest of Victor Clemm.

Mr Clemm, from Haydon, was 75 when he died at the Great Western Hospital in August.

The inquest heard that a post-mortem showed heart disease but also pulmonary fibrosis caused by asbestos exposure.

Mr Clemm began work in number seven shop in 1945. He was installing fittings to the interiors of coaches, which were sprayed with wet asbestos. He was working in close proximity to this every day.

The inquest heard that he had to scrape off asbestos with a chisel or screwdriver, and was not provided with a mask.

He was made redundant in 1963, but returned to work in number 19 shop in 1987. His work there involved refurbishing the fittings of carriages. He was again exposed to the lining of the carriages, and again did not wear a mask.

He was made redundant again in 1987.

Mr Masters said: "We don't know when the exposure to asbestos occurred, but I am satisfied it was at some time during his employment with British Rail."