A 78-YEAR-OLD Baxenden man died as a result of a cancer associated with his exposure to asbestos more than 50 years ago.

An inquest heard that James Grealy, of Ashworth Street, has worked for Turner and Newell processing white asbestos between 1992 and 1945.

A malignant maesothelioma was diagnosed while he was still alive and that diagnosis was confirmed following his death at Hope House Nursing Home, Clayton-le-Moors.

Coroner Michael Singleton returned a verdict of death related to industrial disease.