WHEN he lined up with other young apprentices for this photograph to mark the start of his career at York Carriageworks, Arnie Gomersall had no idea of the dangers he was about to be exposed to.

Over the coming years, he and other employees worked in an environment full of deadly asbestos dust – and over the subsequent decades, some paid the price with their lives as they went on to develop the cancer mesothelioma.

Arnie, who is pictured in the front row, third from left, said more than 20 of his colleagues had died, including Dougie Peacock, pictured middle row, third from left, 57, from Woodthorpe, who died from the illness in 2005.

“We were like a big family there. You mightn’t be best friends with everyone but you would know them. It was Dougie’s death that affected me most.”

Now Arnie, 60, of Burnholme Avenue, York, has decided to do something to help victims and their families by raising thousands of pounds for the York Asbestos Support Group.

The former coachbuilder, who worked at the carriageworks in Holgate Road for 33 years until it closed down in 1996, performs nowadays as a drummer in a York-based Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, Aynt Skynyrd.

The band, which has played in support of groups including Status Quo, has agreed to stage a benefit gig at the Crescent Working Men’s Club, situated behind the former Odeon Cinema in Blossom Street, on Saturday December 6.

Arnie said he hoped to raise £2,000 through the sale of 200 tickets at £10 each, and more cash through the auction of two guitars donated by Mor Music of Fossgate, and he would also be selling a bound desk diary donated by Wallis Business Services.

He said he had been left with the fear that he too could one day fall victim to the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma, fearing the worst every time he caught a cold. “It’s always on my mind.”

He said that during his early years at the carriageworks, he used to be involved in chiselling out asbestos from carriages. “Someone used to sweep debris off the carriage floor into a barrow, with dust flying everywhere,” he said.

“We didn’t wear any masks or anything. We didn’t know the dangers.”

He said he was fully behind the support group, which was launched in 2006 with backing from Dougie’s daughter Karen. “It’s a good idea,” he said. “It helps people that have contracted the disease and their families after they have gone.”

Kim Daniells, founder and spokeswoman for the York Asbestos Support Group, said it was “immensely grateful” to Arnie for his commitment and dedication in arranging the concert.

“We extend our thanks to all those who have given their time and support to the event.

“The funds raised by the concert will enable us to continue supporting and campaigning for all those affected by asbestos related diseases.”