A SENIOR clergymen from Rossendale died from a killer illness he may have contracted from handling asbestos as a child, an inquest heard yesterday.

The Rev John Slater, 59, the Rector of Mayfair, London, died from a cancer possibly caused by exposure to the dangerous substance over 50 years ago.

He was diagnosed with an incurable tumour and died after a brief illness at his home on June 27 last year.

Hundreds turned out at his funeral conducted by the Bishop of London to mourn the popular clergyman who lived alone in Down Street, Mayfair.

Westminster Coroner's Court heard Mr Slater, spent two summers while a student working at an East Lancashire felt factory.

But inquiries by his brother Keith Slater, a retired engineer, revealed he had not been exposed to asbestos at the facility.

Coroner's officer Roy Campbell said that the vicar's father, a carpenter and building contractor, had kept sheets of the material at their home.

Mr Campbell said: "They used to make things as boys out of asbestos."

Coroner Dr Paul Knapman said: "I hear he is very much missed. I have seen lots of testimonials in the press and on radio."

The court was told there was no conclusive evidence to reveal where he had contracted the illness.

Grammar-school educated Mr Slater went to King's College, London, before reading theology at Cambridge University.

He spent a year at the Union Seminary in New York, before being appointed vicar at All Saints' Church, Margaret Street, Mayfair, and then in Warwick Avenue, Maida Vale in 1977.

He spent 17 years at St John's Church in St John's Wood before being moving three years ago to St George's Church in Hanover Square, Mayfair.

His brother, Keith Slater, of Hoghton Lane, Hoghton, Preston, was not present at the hearing.

Recording a verdict of natural causes Dr Knapman said: "There is no doubt he had malignant mesothelioma.

"This is a particular form of tumour for which there is no cure.

"This is a terrible tragedy. It is a pretty unpleasant tumour and medical details show how awful his last months would have been.

"I have no evidence he obtained this cancer by reason of occupational exposure.

"This will be classified as death due to natural causes."