A FORMER shipyard worker died decades after being exposed to asbestos at work, an inquest heard.

Graham Smith, 77, of Chessel Crescent, Bitterne, Southampton died from asbestosis, on September 4.

Southampton Coroner’s Court heard how he spent his entire working life working at the Vosper Thornycroft shipyard in Woolston, where he regularly came contact with the deadly material.

Coroner Keith Wiseman recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.