ASBESTOS was named as a major factor in the death of former York Carriageworks engineer Albert Appleyard at an inquest.

Mr Appleyard, of Chudleigh Road, York, died from lung failure on May 12 after being admitted to York District Hospital only days earlier.

The 81-year-old man worked for most of his life at the carriageworks in Holgate Road until he chose voluntary redundancy at the age of 62.

The inquest heard he had worked in a number of departments and come into close contact with asbestos, which was used in the glueing process.

Coroner Donald Coverdale said medical reports clearly showed Mr Appleyard's health had not been good and he had been brought into hospital an ill man.

"The post-mortem shows disease associated with asbestos, and as such, Mr Appleyard had lost 25 per cent of the function of his right lung," he said.

"He had been suffering bronchial pneumonia, but would have recovered if his lungs had not been so badly damaged."

Consultant Dr John White, of York District Hospital, said: "It is clear asbestos contributed to this man's demise significantly.

"Although such damage may not have a dramatic effect on life, it would on any breathing complication."

Mr Coverdale said the carriageworks was known for the use of asbestos. "Mr Appleyard died because of a disease associated with asbestos," he said, recording a verdict of death caused by industrial disease.

Updated: 11:06 Thursday, December 12, 2002