THREE years spinning blue asbestos killed a Nelson woman more than 30 years later.

Valerie Heywood, 53, died last month in Burnley General Hospital because of her exposure to the asbestos.

It caused a malignant tumour in her lung, an inquest was told.

Dr Abdul Al-Dowoud, who performed a post-mortem examination on Mrs Heywood, said tests revealed asbestos fibres in her lung tissue.

The examination also revealed a tumour up to 14cms in diameter in the lower part of her left lung. East Lancashire coroner David Smith recorded a verdict that Mrs Heywood, of Garrick Street, Nelson, died from the industrial disease of asbestosis.

The inquest at Burnley heard that Mrs Heywood had worked for Cape Asbestos, of Hebden Bridge, between 1961 and 1964.

A solicitor had submitted a claim in relation to her death and liability had been admitted.

Her husband, Brian Heywood, told an earlier hearing that his wife was perfectly fit and healthy until 19 months ago when she started to develop chest problems and went to see her doctor.

She failed to respond to treatment and her condition deteriorated.

Mrs Heywood died in Burnley General Hospital on January 12.

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