ASBESTOS was linked to two deaths in inquests yesterday.

Coroner Malcolm Donnelly said that George West, 57, died in December last year after cancer spread through his body, including his lungs.

His girlfriend told the inquest at Hartlepool Coroner's Court that Mr West had worked with asbestos, but said it was before she knew him, so she could offer the court few details.

She said Mr West, of Ridley Court, Hartlepool, had told her he worked at the steel works in the early 1970s, where he cleaned machinery during shutdowns.

But Mr Donnelly said that while the cancer may have been caused as a result of an industrial disease, he would be unable to record it without evidence.

He recorded an open verdict.

In another inquest yesterday, it was established that a retired welder died of cancer as a result of an industrial disease.

Joseph Lancaster, 80, of Snowdon Grove, Hartlepool, died on December 21 last year.

Mr Donnelly told the inquest that a post mortem showed Mr Lancaster had died of a disseminated malignant mesothelioma, due to exposure to asbestos.

He said the pensioner had died as a result of an industrial disease.