A Wantage man died from an industrial disease caused by inhaling asbestos dust, an inquest heard.

William Simmons, 70, of Harcourt Way, Wantage, died from a tumour around one of his lungs at Sobell House Hospice at the Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, on January 15 last year.

Consultant pathologist Dr Bryan Warren, who carried out the post mortem, confirmed that Mr Simmons died from mesothelioma, a condition caused by exposure to asbestos.

Dr Warren said symptoms developed years after the sufferer was exposed to asbestos. Elizabeth Fell told the court her father had identified five jobs he had between 1945 and 1953 when he might have been exposed to the material.

Mrs Fell said: "The one thing he remembered in particular when we were discussing his previous employment was demolishing pre-fabricated, temporary housing after the war."

Coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded a verdict that he died from an industrial disease.