FORMER miners in East Lancashire who believe their work has affected their health are being urged to make a compensation claim.

To be eligible to make a claim, miners need to have worked for British Coal after 1954 and had the symptoms of chronic bronchitis or emphysema -- a constant cough and shortness of breath -- in at least two consecutive years.

The National Union of Miners is supporting former miners in their quest for compensation over mining-related diseases and injuries.

It has been proven that working conditions down coal mines could cause chronic bronchitis and emphysema and that British Coal neglected to take sufficient care to protect the miners' health from their working environment.

It is now possible for the next of kin of deceased ex-miners to claim for compensation instead, as the new ruling has come too late for some former miners.

Billy Kelly, secretary of the NUM Lancashire Area, said: "It is very important that we get the message over that the next of kin might be entitled to claim.

"I would urge everyone to check with the union's help lines."

For more information, contact 0800 073 67 67.