A RETIRED train driver, who worked for Great Western Railways for almost 25 years, died of an industrial disease, an inquest heard.

Leslie Lewis, who was 83 years old when he died at his daughter's house in Christine Avenue, Rushwick, on Saturday, April 5, was diagnosed with cancer some months ago.

He spent his time investigating the cause of his mesothelioma - cancer of the lining of the lungs - and discovered it came from the asbestos used in steam trains up until the 1960s.

Mr Lewis, of Honeywood Road, Worcester, worked for Great Western between 1936 and 1939, and again between 1946 and 1966.

"He began as an engine cleaner, moved on to become a fireman on the trains and then to engine driver - the natural progression," said coroner Victor Round.

"All steam engines had asbestos then and he was exposed to its harmful effects daily."

Mr Lewis' daughter, Shirley Phillips, had been looking after him at her Rushwick home.

"People just did not know about this until steam engines were replaced and it is certainly a case of death from industrial disease," said Mr Round.