RELATIVES of people killed by York's asbestos timebomb have staged a candlelit vigil in memory of the city's scores of victims.

The York Asbestos Support Group held the vigil last night outside the T&G union's offices, in Nunnery Lane, to mark Action Mesothelioma Day.

Kim Daniells, the group's founder, said: "It was an opportunity to remember those we have lost to this terrible disease and to offer solidarity and support to their families.

"It was our very personal tribute to the lives lost in York and the surrounding area, but also across the UK and the wider world.

"We hope the vigil will have raised the profile of mesothelioma - an asbestos-related cancer - and the dangers of asbestos. Even in the 21st century asbestos remains the biggest workplace killer. The vast majority of those who are diagnosed today were exposed at work."

She said those taking part in the vigil were also reflecting on the future victims of this disease - those who are not aware of the hazards associated with asbestos and who are being exposed even today."

Many scores of former York Carriageworks employees have died over the last two or three decades from exposure to deadly asbestos dust at the Holgate Road factory in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and even 80s. The group aims to provide support for such victims and their families and to campaign for justice over issues such as compensation.

Meanwhile, a woman from near York who lost both her mother and her grandmother to the asbestos timebomb also held an event in Leeds yesterday to mark the national action day.

Kimberley Stubbs, of Appleton Roebuck, said she wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to asbestos, and help improve knowledge about the disease caused for thousands of victims.

Kimberley's mother, June Hancock, died of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma just over ten years ago after fighting an epic battle for justice in the courts which ended in a landmark victory.

She had been exposed to deadly asbestos dust while living close to the JW Roberts asbestos factory in Armley, Leeds, as had Kimberley's grandmother, Maie Gelder.

June later won a landmark "David and Goliath" case for compensation against the company's owners, T&N, before her death.

Kimberley, who chairs the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund, said it held a special event at Leeds Civic Hall, with speakers and an opportunity for people to meet others, share their experiences and find out more about the "cruel" disease.