ONE of the North-East's oldest lung compensation claimants has been given fresh hope in his fight for justice.

Former pitman John Palmer, who will be 91 next week, was thought ineligible to make a claim because of the years he spent towards the end of his career as a so-called surface worker. He had also been told by his solicitors that they were unwilling to prioritise his case, despite Mr Palmer suffering from chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

However, following recent intervention from The Northern Echo, Department of Trade and Industry officials agreed to re-examine his claim as a matter of urgency.

It has now been agreed that because of his age he should be "fast-tracked" through the compensation system.

A doctor is due to visit Mr Palmer at his home in Coundon, County Durham, later this month to carry out a medical assessment.

A former coal-cutter, he started work at the age of 14 and was employed at the Leasingthorne and Dean and Chapter pits.

He can now barely walk a few yards without becoming out of breath due to the coal dust he inhaled. He also requires a daily course of steroids to control his lung disease.

Last year, Mr Palmer, of Tees Walk, was told he would have to provide details of his employment record - going back to 1924 - for his claim.

An angry Mr Palmer wrote to Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster who contacted former Energy Minister Helen Liddell.

His carer Janet Fletcher said: "I am pleased for him that progress is being made.

"Once he has been examined, his case will hopefully be settled once and for all."

A Department of Trade and Industry spokeswoman said: "Mr Palmer's case has come to our attention and we know he is someone who is very old.

"We are now trying to get him seen as soon as possible, as he is a priority case.

"He may have been told previously that he was ineligible, but we have got his records and we think he is eligible."

Read more about Justice for the Miners here.