A RETIRED James Cropper and K Shoes worker died of industrial disease, an inquest ruled.

Bruce Elliot, 77, of Hawthorn Way, Kendal, was diagnosed with mesothelioma last September before his death on January 18, Cumbria Coroners' Court in Cockermouth heard.

Mr Elliot left behind a widow, Margaret, whom he married in 1991. The court heard he was born in Kendal and returned to the town for his last seven years after living in Majorca, Spain, with his wife. 

The inquest heard he spent much of his working life in banking but in his younger years did industrial jobs around Kendal. 

Mr Elliot delivered evidence at his own inquest through documents related to a civil case last year against James Cropper PLC for alleged asbestos exposure. 

Mr Elliot said he worked at the facility in Burneside between 1951 and 1967 as his father also worked there and encouraged him to look for an apprenticeship at the paper mill. 

The court heard the boiler house and the power house were 'logged' with asbestos.

READ MORE: Ambleside Fire Crew rescues people 'trapped' in Mickeleden

"It was fair to say the company was rather old-fashioned," Mr Elliot said.

Mr Elliot said that tasks he would do would 'give off large amounts of very dry and extensive dust.' 

Mr Elliot claimed that there were 'no particular health and safety measures.' 

After 1967 he went on to work at K Shoes before leaving industrial jobs and the court heard that 'the machinery was very different but there was a similar exposure to asbestos.' 

Coroner Robert Cohen said: "I can well imagine that this has been a very big loss for Mrs Elliot. I can only extend to her and to all those who knew and loved Bruce Elliot my very sincere heartfelt condolences.

"In the course of Mr Elliot's working life he was regularly exposed to asbestos dust."

Mr Cohen gave Mr Elliot's medical cause of death as 1A mesothelioma and the short form conclusion as industrial disease.