A HEDGE End naval veteran died after asbestos exposure during construction of a power plant near Southampton.

Alan Maynard, of Lynton Road, inhaled fibres whilst working as a pipe lagger on Marchwood Power Station in the 1960s, an inquest heard.

The 76-year-old was diagnosed last year with malignant mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure, Winchester Coroner’s Court was told on Friday.

He died on New Year's Eve.

Grahame Short, senior coroner for central Hampshire, recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.

He said he “suspected” Mr Maynard was also exposed to asbestos during his time on HMS Bulwark in the 1950s.