A FORMER shipyard worker stricken with cancer died from industrial disease, an inquest heard.

Jack Eaton, 74, had been exposed to asbestos and although one doctor had earlier told him it was suspected he had a related illness, another medic later "categorically denied" he had asbestosis.

The hearing, at Burnley Magistrates Court, was told Mr Eaton died in Burnley General Hospital on March 21, the day after he was admitted.

Recording his verdict, Acting East Lancs Coroner Richard Taylor said Mr Eaton's cancer, the underlying cause of death was brought on by long-term exposure to asbestos.

The inquest heard Mr Eaton, of Elm Street, Colne, had been diagnosed with cancer in April 2002.

Mr Eaton's son John, said it had been suspected his father, had an industrial related illness in 1999. A second doctor later said he did not have asbestosis.

In June 2002, when his father had been in hospital four months suffering a collapsed lung, he underwent an operation and it was identified he had cancer.

Mr Eaton said his father worked for two spells in Barrow in Furness, at Vickers shipyard. He was then employed at various engineering companies in Colne.

Pathologist Dr Alexander Howe, who carried put a post mortem examination, said Mr Eaton died from an infection due to the cancer.