A MAN died from an asbestos-related cancer after being ex-posed to dangerous materials throughout a career in slipper and shoe making, an inquest has heard.

James Whittaker, of Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, died the day after his 86th birthday on June 23 last year after a short illness.

During a hearing at Burnley Magistrates’ Court, coroner Richard Taylor, read a statement prepared by Mr Whittaker before his death.

In it he explained that as a teenager he had served during the war in the Royal Navy, where he was exposed to asbestos which lagged many of his ship’s pipes.

He also claimed that the substance was present in sleeping quarters.

Prior to his naval service and for the remainder of his working career, Mr Whittaker worked at Newchurch Boot Company.

In his statement he described his job as operating a heavy machinery known as a Revolution Press, which used blades to cut out insoles, primarily for slippers.

The material used would often be a hazardous asbestos-like substance called salbestos.

The press was operated thous-ands of times, creating dust and residue every time it was used.

His statement said that during the course of his job, “I never wore a mask or was asked to wear a mask”.

A pathologist’s report said the cause of Mr Whittaker’s death was undoubtedly mesothelioma, a lung cancer.

This was caused by exposure to asbestos.

Shoe, boot and slipper manufacture began in Rossendale in the 19th century as a result of the burgeoning felt industry.

As late as 1982 there were about 4,000 people engaged in slippers, shoe and ancillary work in the borough, producing about 16 million pairs a year.

Mr Taylor recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.