A RETIRED plasterer who was exposed to asbestos dust at work developed mesothelioma, an inquest heard.

Jack Brown, 92, of Shap, worked at Leeds Infirmary in the 1950s. His widow, Phyllis Mary Brown, told the hearing that his reason for working there was "taking down asbestos".

Mrs Brown said her late husband's breathing became so difficult in 2011 that she could hear it without her hearing aids. Mr Brown was ill for two-and-a-half years, and she was at his side when he died at Penrith Hospital in June this year.

The couple were married in 1950 and moved to Shap in 1975. They had a son and daughter.

A post mortem revealed asbestos and mesothelioma, cancer associated with asbestos exposure.

Alan Sharp, assistant coroner for south and east Cumbria, said the mesothelioma led to bronchopneumonia.

He recorded a verdict of industrial disease.