A COAL miner whose health was ruined after 30 years down the pits loved his job, an inquest heard.

The hearing at Burnley Magistrates' Court was told Kenneth Dyson, 77, worked in appalling conditions but would have gone back down if he could. He was given compensation for his illness months before he died on February 4.

Coroner Richard Taylor recorded that Mr Dyson, of Chichester Close, Burnley, died of industrial disease.

Pathologist Dr Alexander Howatt, who carried out a post mortem examination, said Mr Dyson's appearance was consistent with him having been a miner for some time. He had severe damage to his lungs, emphysema and pneumonia.