James Newland, who lived at Tolkien Road, Langney, died at Eastbourne DGH on November 19 and an inquest in to his death was held at Eastbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday (April 1).

The floor layer, who retired at the age of 65, was exposed to the dangerous substance some time during his long career.

Coroner Alan Craze said Dr Jane Mercer, who carried out the post mortem on November 21, had given the cause of death as advanced mesothelioma brought on by exposure to asbestos.

Alan Craze explained a microscopic inspection of Mr Newland's lungs revealed he had suffered a 'much greater than average exposure'.

Mr Newman and his family were unaware of the problem until his death.

Widow Margaret Newland said, "He worked all over the country and we cannot specifically say where he would have come in to contact with it."

Mr Craze agreed it would be difficult to 'pin point' a firm or employer but said the buildings Mr Newman worked in would, most likely, have contained asbestos.

Mrs Newland confirmed her husband served in the army until 1946 and said there were no hobbies or activities outside of work which would have involved the substance.

The coroner concluded Mr Newman had died due to asbestos in his workplace and recorded a verdict of death from industrial disease.

"I make the decision, not with any great confidence, but on the balance of probabilities," said Mr Craze.