A PENSIONER died of asbestos-related cancer after a lifetime working as a joiner in Burnley and Nelson, an inquest heard.

Brian Eastwood, 68, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, died at Pendleside Hospice on May 16, following diagnosis of the industrial disease.

His wife Julie told the inquest her husband had been a joiner all his life and had often worked with asbestos.

Mr Eastwood had been diagnosed as suffering from cancer. His condition deteriorated at Burnley General Hospital and he was transferred to the hospice on the day he died.

The inquest heard he had left school at 15 and worked in factories in East Lancashire for almost 40 years, apart from National Service.

Acting East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor said he had no doubt that Mr Eastwood's death was a result of industrial disease and recorded that verdict.