A PENSIONER died of a form of lung cancer linked to asbestos, an inquest heard yesterday.

The hearing at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court was told that Edward Alan Raw, 73, of Association Street, Shildon, died from mesothelioma cancer on July 27 last year. His widow, Georgina Raw, said her husband had never spoken specifically about working with asbestos but may have been exposed to the material throughout his working life. Consultant pathologist Dr Clive Bloxom found the cause of death to be mesothelioma, as Mr Raw had a malignant tumour on one lung and asbestos bodies in the other, with secondary cause as heart disease. South Durham coroner Colin Penna recorded a verdict of death due to industrial disease.

TRACTOR FIRE: A tractor and two portable buildings were damaged in a fire in a field at Heighington just after 6.30am yesterday. Crews from Newton Aycliffe extinguished the blaze.

INQUEST VERDICT: Paul Chadwick, born Paul David Lovett and also known as Peter Matthews, 32, died at his home in Chester Crescent, West Cornforth, after taking a cocktail of drugs. Mr Chadwick, originally from Burton-on-Trent, died on July 7 last year of an overdose of cocaine, heroin and temazepam. Coroner Colin Penna, sitting at Bishop Auckland Magistrate's Court, recorded the cause of death as non-dependent use of drugs.

OPEN DAY: An open day is being held by Churches Together in Weardale at Heatherycleugh, Cowshill, on Sunday, September 27, from 2pm. Tea will be served at 4pm, followed by a harvest service and sale at 5.30pm.

FUNGI TREK: The Forestry Commission will hold a series of treks through North-East woodland to discover the range of fungi that grows in the region. The first is at Hamsterley Forest, on September 28, from 2.30pm, which includes a barbecue (bring your own food). To book a place, call (01388) 488312.

CONCERT DATE: Cathryn Craig, a singer-songwriter from Virginia, US, will be appearing at Boldron Village Hall, near Barnard Castle, on Tuesday, October 7, at 8pm. With her will be guitarist Brian Willoughby, of The Strawbs. Tickets are available on (01833) 631463.

CHURCH MUSIC: The Crook and Weardale Choral Singers will be entertaining at Willington Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 7; at St Cuthbert's RC Church, Crook, on Tuesday, October 14; and at Ushaw College on Sunday, November 9. All events start at 7.30pm.

CHARITY QUIZ: The Mayor of Sedgefield, Councillor Linda Maddison, will be holding a charity quiz on October 24 in Ceddesfeld Hall, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on (01740) 621273. Proceeds will go to Alzheimer's research and village pensioners.