A FATHER died after years of being exposed to asbestos, an inquest heard.

Bill Taylor, aged 56, of Hill Lane, Blackrod, died from a tumour on the lining of his lung after working as a sheet metal fabricator all his life.

Coroner Jennifer Leeming was told how Mr Taylor's work to repair boilers, with no protective clothing provided, resulted in his tumour.

Mr Taylor died at home on Christmas Eve last year after being diagnosed with the disease in April 2001.

Ms Leeming recorded the underlying cause of Mr Taylor's death as industrial disease which triggered off his tumour.

She said he admired Mr Taylor's wife, Brenda, for caring for her husband at home.