AN undiagnosed cancerous tumour contributed to the death of a retired plumber, an inquest heard.

Leslie William Faulker died at Royal Blackburn Hospital at the age of 90 in September.

Coroner Michael Singleton heard Mr Faulker, who lived in King’s Causeway, Brierfield, before moving into Marsden Heights Care Home, had suffered with heart problems and had a pacemaker.

A post-mortem examination was carried out after Mr Faulker died of heart disease following a hernia operation, on September 19.

Pathologist Dr Aslam told the court the operation was carried out properly, but placed strain on Mr Faulkner’s heart.

This, alongside mesothelioma found in his lung during the post mortem, contributed to his death, Dr Aslam said.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, which Mr Faulker, born on January 7, 1923, came into contact with during his career, his daughter, Tonia Lancaster told the court.

Recording a narrative verdict, Mr Singleton offered Mrs Lancaster his condolences.

Mrs Lancaster said her dad had been a ‘hard worker’, and said she ‘saw peace in his eyes’ before his death.

She said: “He stopped saying he was in pain, and I saw a little boy. I saw peace come over him.”