SWINDON widow Mary Neil has received a six-figure payout following the death of her husband, who was exposed to asbestos on a daily basis while working for British Rail for more than 40 years.

Mary, 78, of Buckingham Road, Lawn, was awarded the £170,000 after Swindon law firm Charles Lucas & Marshall pursued the case on her behalf.

Her husband, Albert, died in 2011 at the age of 84 at Prospect Hospice, two years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Albert worked with British Rail in various roles between 1944 and 1986, during which time it has come to light he was inhaling the killer substance on a daily basis.

Brigitte Chandler, a leading industrial disease lawyer with the law firm, said: “Even when the Swindon works closed in 1986, there was still asbestos in the building.

“Anybody who has worked in an environment where asbestos is present, no matter how long ago, and who is experiencing breathing problems or discomfort should seek medical opinion.”

Albert initially worked as an engine cleaner, before becoming a locomotive fireman, drainage assistant and pipefitter’s assistant.

“When Mr Neil went on the locomotives, asbestos would fly into his face,” said Brigitte. “One of his duties was sweeping the floor and asbestos was lying everywhere.

“In fact, virtually throughout his 40 years with British Rail, Mr Neil was in an environment where asbestos was present on a daily basis.”

The Health and Safety Executive, which regulates workplace health and safety, said asbestos caused serious diseases which were responsible for around 5,000 deaths per year.

Other than mesothelioma, asbestos inhalation can also lead to lung cancer, asbestosis and diffuse pleural thickening.

Earlier this year, the family of Edward Dutton received £95,000 in compensation from British Rail for the same reason.

Mr Dutton, of Devizes Road, also died in 2011, at the age of 77, two years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, caused by asbestos.

He worked for British Rail for 16 months between 1960 and 1961. He initially worked as a labourer and then became a bricklayer’s assistant.Throughout the Swindon railway works, he would have been exposed to asbestos dust which was present on boilers, used for lagging heating pipes and was widespread throughout the saw mills and coach-building workshops.

Swindon and South West Asbestos Group is a regional charity which provides support groups and a free advice service to people suffering from asbestos disease and their families.