THE family of a Worcester man who died after being exposed to asbestos, is searching for people who worked alongside him to help with their legal battle for compensation.

Richard Cook, from Broomfield Road in St John's, first suffered chest symptoms in December 2003, and underwent two biopsies before being diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 2004.

The 56-year-old died less than one month later on April 15, 2004.

It is believed that Mr Cook contracted the fatal disease after being exposed to asbestos while working as a plumber's mate for Goodwin & Hammacott Ltd, which was in Bank Street between 1963 and 1966.

The firm, which ceased trading in 1986, sub-contracted work for a Government department responsible for maintaining offices based in Worcester.

Mr Cook was required to strip old asbestos lagging from boilers and pipes before mixing asbestos powder with water to create a paste and apply this wet lagging in its place.

He was not provided with a mask or respiratory protection to prevent him from inhaling asbestos dust and fibres.

Mr Cook's son, Simon, said his father's sudden death had devastated the whole family.

"We are still trying to come to terms with what happened to him," he said.

"We are hoping thatsome of his former colleagues and workmates will help us in our legal fight to prove that he was exposed to asbestos."

Hayley Hill, from the Birmingham office of law firm Irwin Mitchell, is representing Mr Cook's family in their claim for compensation.

She said: "We really need to hear from people who worked alongside Mr Cook and encourage them to come forward and help us.

"This is a particularly tragic case given that Mr Cook was only 56 years old when he died and his family had such a short time with him from the date of his diagnosis to his untimely death."

Anyone who can help the Cook family in their search for people who worked at Goodwin & Hammacott Ltd between 1963 and 1966 is asked to contact Hayley on 0870 1500 100.