THE teenage son of a popular Farnworth PCSO who died from mesothelioma was given the honour of releasing a pack of doves in tribute to those killed by the disease.

Trevor Wyatt lost a 16-month battle with the incurable disease in October last year, which he caught, the family suspect, when he was exposed to asbestos when completing a plumbing apprenticeship more than 40 years ago.

His widow Jeanette and sons Thomas, aged 16, and George, aged 11, have since thrown their efforts into raising money for research into mesothelioma.

They have now raised more than £1,000, and Thomas was asked to perform the poignant duty of releasing the doves on Action Mesothelioma Day at an event in Manchester.

His proud mum Mrs Wyatt, aged 48, is calling for more funding for research into the disease, so the lives of sufferers can at least be prolonged more often if not saved.

Mrs Wyatt said: "Greater Manchester Asbestos Victim Support Group have been brilliant with us, they were first on the scene when Trevor was diagnosed and without them we would have really struggled.

"They do an event every year to raise awareness and they asked if one of my boys could do it.

"It was a great honour and the photograph is really poignant for us. It was very emotional but Thomas has been very brave about this.

"He spoke at Trevor's funeral, with more than 300 people there, and is a confident boy. Trevor would have been very proud."

Mrs Wyatt and her two sons — who both have a crippling fear of heights — are considering doing a parachute jump soon to raise more cash for research.

The youngest of 13 children, Mr Wyatt grew up in Bury and lived in Ramsbottom just prior to his death, when he was aged 57.

His 34-year-old daughter Rebecca married last December while Mr Wyatt was fit enough to attend the service.

Mr Wyatt joined the police in 2003, and former colleague Sgt Jon Seeds paid tribute to him after his death.

He said: "On duty Trevor often struggled to get from one end of the street to the other without being stopped by members of the public for advice or a reassuring chat.

"When Trevor became ill, he continued to serve his community and refused to go off sick and even when I restricted him to desk duties he would sneak out of the police station to go on patrol."

An award for Community Support Officer of the Year has now been named after Mr Wyatt in his honour.

To donate to Asbestos Victim Support visit www.asbestos-victims-support.org/.