A STROUD man contracted a killer disease while working at a Swindon hospital some 46 years ago, an inquest was told today.

Retired electrical engineer Graham Purse, 69, helped to remove asbestos lagging from the hospital, Gloucestershire Coroners Court heard.

Almost half a century later it led to him getting the lung cancer mesothelioma in 2014.

Before he died Mr Purse made a statement which read: "Between 1969 and 1970 I carried out work at the Swindon hospital where I was exposed to asbestos.

"I worked in loft areas where asbestos lagging was being removed. It was a confined space and I was not given masks or any protective clothing.

"Three years ago my breathing began to deteriorate and examinations at hospital revealed that I had contracted malignant mesothelioma."

Mr Purse died at his home with members of his family present.

Assistant coroner Caroline Saunders said: "The cause of this man's illness and subsequent death on June 8, this year was his exposure to asbestos.

The conclusion was recorded as death from industrial disease.