AN INQUEST into the death of a retired roofer from Quarry Bank has concluded he died from mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos.

James Welch died on Christmas Day 2019 at his home in Montgomery Close, Quarry Bank.

The inquest heard the 80-year-old retired roofer, who was born in Cradley Heath, had been exposed to asbestos during his career.

Mr Welch, who was married to Margaret on January 2, 1943, had been diagnosed lung cancer and possible mesothelioma in August 2019.

His condition was described as "frail" and he was receiving end of life care from Macmillan nurses.

His death was certified by a community district nurse and was reported by his GP.

The inquest heard that Mr Welch came into contact with asbestos as part of his work as a steel erector.

Area coroner Joanne Lees told the hearing Mr Welch would use grinders on asbestos roofs and would carry sacks of asbestos.

Mrs Lees said: "I have seen a statement from Mr Welch, which is part of a compensation claim."

A post mortem was carried out which confirmed Mr Welch had malignant mesothelioma and recorded a cause of death as being right pleural mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos.

Mrs Lees recorded a conclusion that Mr Welch died of an industrial disease.

She said: "I offer my sincere condolences to his family."