A FORMER British Rail worker who was exposed to lethal asbestos dust has been awarded damages of almost £110,000.

Widower Norman Faith, 80, of Old Town, has developed the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, but says he bares no bitterness towards British Rail for his suffering, because he is "just one of the unlucky ones."

The sum includes a fee for "lost years of future" income because of the early death his terminal illness will cause.

It will also cover taxi fares to enable him to visit friends and relatives when he can no longer drive, and payment for future cleaning and cooking help.

He said: "I am pleased with the award because it means that I will have peace of mind when the time comes that I cannot look after myself."

The damages were announced following a reserved judgment by Judge Charles Wade following a disputed hearing at Swindon County Court on September 16.

The case may establish legal precedent and affect future claims by railway workers against British Rail, represented by BRB Subsidiary Ltd.

The judge awarded Mr Faith £33,000 for lost years of future income, such as pensions and other investments, and £52,500 for pain and suffering.

Mr Faith, who was represented by Swindon solicitors Thring Townsend, said: "I really did not expect such a sum.

"But once I had been diagnosed with mesothelioma I talked to friends and decided to approach Thring Towns-end but had no idea I would get so much money. The amount surprised me.

"I have had a good life in the railway and I've made a lot of friends. We all just took working with asbestos for granted when I was working there. I don't know whether British Rail knew of the dangers when I was working there but I don't bear any bitterness towards anyone.

"I don't know when I'm going to die but I am terminally ill and I know that while I can care for myself at the moment there will come a time when I can't.

"I don't like to think about that time but I have my daughters and a close friend, and having met the Macmil-lan Nurses and my consultant at the hospital I know that when the time comes I will be in good hands."

Mr Faith praised the Evening Advertiser's successful campaign to install a memorial garden to the victims of what has become known as the Swindon Dis-ease in Queen's Park.

The illness is known as the Swindon Disease because of the number of former railway workers who have died from the asbestos-related cancer.

Mr Faith said the memorial garden would serve as a monument to everyone who died of the illness, including friends who passed away without ever being diagnosed.

His solicitor Brigitte Chandler described the award of £109,973, plus costs, as a good sum. She said: "It is well above what British Rail were prepared to offer."

Mr Faith worked at the town's railway works from 1939 until 1982.

He was employed initially as a fitter, turner and erector and from 1956 he worked in the drawing office.