A FORMER British Gas worker died from an industrial disease caused by breathing in asbestos, an inquest heard.

Graham Smith, 58, of Burnley Road, Weir, was diagnosed with mesothelioma and was being treated but his condition deteriorated and he died at Pendleside Hospice on September 26.

Wife Ann Smith told the Burnley inquest that her husband had always been fit and healthy but in 2003 he became concerned after he got a stitch while training for a marathon and could not breathe properly.

He was sent for an X-ray by his doctor and was eventually diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mr Smith worked as a maintenance fitter with British Gas between 1962 to 1970 and at Padiham Power Station between 1970 and 1973, where he would have worked with asbestos covering pipes and boilers.

He had described the working environment as very dusty.

Pathologist Dr Zuhair Twaij said Mr Smith had a tumour covering his right lung that was causing the breathing difficulties.

He added that 90 per cent of such cases are caused by asbestos and it can take more than 25 years for a tumour to develop after exposure.

Coroner Richard Taylor said: "He died as a result of industrial disease as undoubtedly he was exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s and that led to his death."