A RETIRED engineer who lost his seven-year battle with lung disease in January died of natural causes, an inquest heard.

William James Whittle, aged 73, of Greenbarn Way, Blackrod, died in Wigan Infirmary on January 11.

The inquest was told that Mr Whittle - known as Bill - had worked as an engineer at Dunlops between the ages of 16 and 31, with the exception of the time he spent carrying out his national service in the RAF.

In 1995 he developed breathing difficulties. Grandfather Mr Whittle's health gradually deteriorated and he was admitted into hospital with breathing problems on the day of his death.

Contact with asbestos during his working life was ruled out as the cause of Mr Whittle's illness.

Bolton coroner Jennifer Leeming concluded that Mr Whittle died of natural causes.