AN elderly Exmouth ex-foundry worker died after extended exposure to asbestos, an inquest has heard.

AN elderly Exmouth ex-foundry worker died after extended exposure to asbestos, an inquest has heard.

Charles Hill, 75, who died at the end of last year, was employed by Willeys, of Exeter, from 1951 to 1981.

Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland, sitting at Honiton Magistrate Court, said she was satisfied Mr Hill's exposure to asbestos while working at the iron foundry was responsible.

A pathologist gave his cause of death as bronchopneumonia - pneumonia and inflammation of the lungs - and malignant mesothelioma of part of the lungs - a rare type of cancer which affects the chest or stomach.

The coroner gave a verdict of death by industrial disease.