THE grieving family of a woman who died from cancer caused by asbestos have been given a five-figure payout for their ordeal — thanks to The Bolton News and its readers.

Edna White, of Boscow Road, Little Lever, contracted mesothelioma and died, aged 68, in May 2008.

Her daughter, Jill Blake, made an emotional appeal for information about her time at local firm, Lorival Plastics Limited, in The Bolton News in April last year.

Several people came forward to tell the family about Mrs White’s work and contact with the deadly material.

She was employed by the Little Lever company, which no longer exists, in the 1960s.

The information has brought Mrs White’s family justice, as well as answers as to how their mother came into contact with asbestos, as their legal battle has now been settled.

Mrs Blake, aged 45, of Bromley Cross, said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect from the appeal.

“It’s good to have answers but it’s been mixed feelings really, we are still dealing with our loss.

“It shows The Bolton News readers really can make a difference and we are very grateful.

“We hope this will encourage other people to answer appeals and raise awareness of asbestos and its impact.”

Mrs White died just months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

She left two children and four grandchildren and her husband, Gerard White, died shortly after her, aged 70.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell in Manchester represented the family.

Anthony Barlow, industrial disease expert, said: “Edna worked as a time and motion monitor.

“When her family first approached us for help we had no first hand information about her work history or working conditions at Lorival Plastics.

“But following a witness appeal in The Bolton News we were contacted by several people, including one star witness who proved invaluable to the progression of the case.

“Although nothing can make up for their tragic loss, Edna’s family now have the closure they need to move on and rebuild their lives.”