A FORMER Barrow shipyard worker died as a result of exposure to asbestos more than 50 years ago, a coroner has ruled.

John Francis Fogg worked at what was then Vickers for ten years between the 1950s and 60s.

The inquest was told that Mr Fogg, from Cartmel, died from bronchopneumonia, the inflammation of the lungs, arising in the bronchi or bronchioles.

It was also heard he had widespread lung disease, mainly down to asbestos.

It was said that Mr Fogg was a smoker for 16 years, but gave up when son Philip wanted to stop smoking.

The pair quit in 2000 because they did not want the smoke around Mr Fogg’s grandchildren.

The inquest was told he was a hand driller at the shipyard, working on several materials during the construction of submarine vessels at Vickers.

The inquest heard that during the 10 years Mr Fogg worked at the shipyard he was significantly exposed to asbestos.

Coroner Robert Chapman said: “It is absolutely clear that the time Mr Fogg worked as a driller was the time he came in contact with asbestos.

“This lead to fibrosis of the lungs and plural plaques developing.

“There is no doubt that this is an industry disease case.”

Evidence given by Timothy Gatheral, a consultant at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, said Mr Fogg had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

As a result of COPD, the 75-year-old had a degree of lung restriction and in July he deteriorated in hospital before passing away peacefully on July 24 at Furness General Hospital.

It was told COPD was down to the exposure of asbestos at Barrow shipyard.

The inquest, held at Barrow Town Hall, was told Mr Fogg lived a happy and healthy life with his family and grandchildren.

He had numerous jobs including working at Barrow shipyard, being a farmer and a hotel bar manager before retiring ten years ago.

The hearing was told that Mr Fogg enjoyed going abroad with his family and enjoyed walks.

He also kept himself physically fit and enjoyed playing rugby league in his younger years.