A MECHANIC who spent more than 30 years repairing the bodywork of cars died from inhaling asbestos particles at work, an inquest heard.

A post mortem examination on Ian Wilfred Kay, 55, of Meins Road, Blackburn, who died in August, showed a tumour which the pathologist said "had a strong association to asbestos exposure".

The inquest heard from his friend for 30 years, David Grogan, of Tockholes, who said that he did some research which led him to believe that products used by Mr Kay in the past contained asbestos.

He said that, during the course of his work, Mr Kay would have used an electric sander to remove excess filler, creating dust particles in the air which he would have inhaled.

Mr Kay, who was married to Pamela, started to feel unwell in January 2002, with chest infection-like symptoms. He gradually deteriorated until he was admitted to East Lancashire Hospice, Blackburn, where he died.

Recording a verdict of death by industrial disease, East Lancashire coroner Michael Singleton said Mr Kay was another tragic victim who had been exposed asbestos when the dangers were not known.