A SOUTHAMPTON pensioner died as a result of exposure to asbestos.

An inquest heard Anthony Jones, from Hornchurch Road, Southampton, was working as a textile operator in the 1960s when it is thought he was exposed to the carcinogenic substance.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard that Mr Jones had spent many years working for various contractors at Fawley Oil Refinery, and it is during this time that he is believed to have come into contact with asbestos.

A post mortem conducted by Sanjay Jogai revealed that although no asbestos fibres were found in his lung, several cancerous tumours were found which pointed towards tje 76 year old's death being the result of asbestos exposure.

Senior Coroner Grahame Short recorded a verdict of death due to industrial disease.