An Ulverston man died as a result of industrial disease due to exposure to asbestos during his time working at the Barrow Shipyard, an inquest heard.

Thomas McKenna died at the age of 77 at his home on Well Lane on December 6, 2020, as a result of malignant mesothelioma.

The former Vickers Shipyard pipe-fitter and welder was a much-loved father to his five daughters, and died after a three-year battle with mesothelioma, the Coroner's Court in Cockermouth heard.

Tracy Robinson, one of Mr McKenna's daughters, gave a statement that was read to the court.

It said: "He was born in Ulverston and was the eldest of a family of seven.

"He had a love of music which brought him together with his wife with whom he brought five daughters into the world that he truly adored.

"He had a love of sport and football in particular and would support his local town's teams."

She went on to say how he took excellent care of his wife during her battle with cancer, which sadly ended in 2013.

Dr Khan, from University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, gave a statement which told the court of how Mr McKenna took the news of being diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma "in his stride" but was sceptical of chemotherapy after seeing his wife go through it only a few years prior.

Dr Fraser, from Ulverston Community Health Centre, and gave a medical cause of death of malignant mesothelioma on the balance of probability.

This was accepted by coroner Ms Kally Cheema and she concluded that his death was as a result of industrial disease.

"He passed away at his home address after being diagnosed in 2018 with mesothelioma," she told the court.

"Condolences to the family and friends of Mr McKenna."