A KIDDERMINSTER man died as the result of an industrial disease, a coroner ruled.

Royston Westwood, 73, of Ox Bow Way, was exposed to asbestos during his working life, which as a result of, he developed mesothelioma.

In later years, Mr Westwood’s health deteriorated and he died at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove on July 6.

An inquest held by Worcestershire Coroner’s Service, which opened on July 9, and closed on Monday, November 23, ruled he died as the result of an industrial disease.

The medical cause of death, confirmed at the inquest, is listed as diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and asbestos exposure.