A RETIRED fireman developed cancer and died following years of exposure to asbestos, an inquest was told.

Former boiler engineer Arthur Wood, aged 72, of Warrington Road, Leigh, had stripped and maintained coal mine boilers across Leigh for the National Coal Board for 14 years before becoming a fireman at Leigh fire station in 1959.

The inquest in Bolton was told that Mr Wood worked at the station for 25 years before his health began to deteriorate two years ago. He was diagnosed with cancer in October 2001 after "significant exposure to asbestos in confined spaces." He died in December.

Bolton Coroner Jennifer Leeming recorded a verdict that the cause of death was an industrial disease.

She said: "Clearly he contracted it as a result of exposure to asbestos. The community has got cause to be grateful to Mr Wood for his services as a fireman over the years."

-- a former smoker --