LAWYERS representing former steel workers with throat cancer say they will continue the fight for compensation, despite the leading campaigner pulling out.

Cancer sufferer Jack Atherton and his wife, Dot, stepped down this week from the campaign to prove that Consett steel works caused throat cancer among ex-workers, because it was costing them too much money.

Despite the blow, lawyers representing ex-steel workers and their families deny that the campaign lies in ruins.

They revealed they had more than 70 potential clients from Consett on their books, and will be contacting them to put together other test cases.

Liverpool solicitors Ross and Co secured legal aid, with contributions, for the Athertons, and the widow of an ex-steel worker, to bring a case of alleged negligence against Corus, formerly British Steel.

With the Athertons' withdrawal, Ross and Co is approaching dozens of potential clients to progress the case.

Philip Riccardi, partner in the firm, said: "The case is certainly not at the point of collapse.

"We have yet to receive notification from the Athertons, but if it is confirmed that they are pulling out, we will be making an application on behalf of one or more of the other potential clients.

"We are sorry if financial pressures are such that they feel they can't go on. It is a set-back, but more in terms of morale than the way the case is progressing."

Mrs Atherton, 59, of The Grove, Consett, said they were withdrawing because legal aid contributions had eaten all their savings.

She said: "My savings are gone - we simply can't afford it any more. I'm still hoping that workers at other steel works will pick up the campaign, and I think it's great that other people in similar situations are going to be contacted.

"If anyone comes forward to be a test case, I will support them all the way."

Ross and Co has applied for legal aid to commission a detailed analysis of fresh data from Newcastle University that may prove a link between cancer of the larynx and steel works.

If the new data establishes a link, a successful court case could open the floodgates for thousands of claims.