AN INQUEST heard how a man died as a result of working with asbestos for more than 30 years.

Stewart Grant, 51, who lived with his wife, Pauline, in Lambards, New Ash Green, was diagnosed with cancer in September 2001.

He died on August 5 this year at the Lions Hospice, in Northfleet, from what coroner Roger Hatch termed an "industrial disease" after being in contact with asbestos throughout his working life.

The electrician had been working with asbestos since his late teens.

His wife confirmed at the inquest in Gravesend on October 22 he was not given any training or equipment, including a mask, when he carried out numerous jobs involving the dangerous material.

At the beginning of his career, he worked with a demolition firm where he cleared pre-fabricated homes which contained asbestos sheeting.

He also removed asbestos pipes with asbestos ribbon fitting.

Mr Hatch said: "Mr Grant had further employments where he was involved with asbestos in one form or another."

Consultant pathologist at Darent Valley Hospital Dr Peter Jerreat told how the cancer had spread in Mr Grant's body, including his lung, heart, diaphragm, liver and kidney.

Dr Jerreat said: "Overwhelmingly, these are as a result of his exposure to asbestos."