A FORMER railway worker who was exposed to asbestos dust throughout his 44-year employment at the GWR works in Swindon died of mesothelioma, an inquest heard.

Wiltshire coroner David Masters heard that Ivor Huddy, 73, of Churchward Avenue, Rodbourne, died on April 21 from the so-called Swindon Disease.

Mr Huddy had joined the works as an apprentice straight from school at the age of 14.

Initially working in the engine sheds, Mr Huddy became a fully skilled fitter in 1949 and worked at the site until he was made redundant in 1986 aged 57.

The inquest heard that as part of his work, Mr Huddy was exposed to "heavy and daily" exposure to asbestos dust while dismantling equipment in the engine shed.

Reading from a statement written by Mr Huddy, Mr Masters recalled how during his nine years as a steam locomotive fitter, asbestos was "often in the air".

He said workers were not given any warnings about the dangers of asbestos and it was not until 1960 some eighteen years after he first started work that workers were given protective masks.

Recording a verdict of death by industrial disease, Mr Masters said people could be exposed to asbestos many years before the disease manifests itself.

"Sadly, I have heard this on so many occasions," he said.

"During his employment he was exposed to asbestos and that indicates his death was due to industrial disease."