SOLICITORS are calling for witnesses after a builder died of abestos-related lung cancer.

William Read, known as Bill, of Lynwood Avenue, Darwen, discovered he had the disease in 2008 and died in March 2009.

From 1956 to 1971, he worked for building and maintenance company S. Sharples (Darwen) Limited, where he was employed as a general labourer and was exposed to asbestos.

The company no longer exists.

Before he died aged 84, Mr Read instructed John Pickering and Partners LLP to bring a claim for compensation for his contraction of an asbestos related cancer.

The action is against the former company’s insurers.

His family now need to locate witnesses who worked with him at S. Sharples (Darwen) Limited, who can support their claim.

If anybody previously worked for the company or who has information which they may feel is relevant to the claim, they should contact Kevin Johnson or Joanne Waterson on 0151 227 1214.