A GRANDFATHER battling asbestos-related lung disease has won a legal battle against his former employers who he says failed to protect him.

Alfred Prater, from Coleview, developed diffuse pleural thickening of the lungs after he came into contact with asbestos while working for the Rover Company between 1958 and 1975.

Following a three-year legal process, the 80-year-old has been awarded £37,000 compensation.

“At least now I know my wife is looked after, whatever happens,” said Alfred.

“I was in complete shock when I heard the news. I was so happy that finally we had won. Knowing we have this compensation takes a weight off my mind. No matter what happens to me, I can’t control that, I know my wife will be taken care of.”

Alfred was exposed to asbestos when he worked at the Stratton-based Pressed Steel Company plant as a panel beater and welder.

He said he routinely mixed asbestos with water when welding and used his hands to push asbestos onto the floor.

“We didn’t know anything about asbestos, we were using it every day and we never had any protection against it," he said.

“People used to roll it up into balls and use it as pea shooters. I can’t believe we were able to play around with such a dangerous substance.

“In those days no-one knew anything about the dangers of asbestos. There weren’t even showers and certainly no protective masks.”

Alfred started feeling unwell in 2012 and following a battery of tests he was given the devastating news.

“The doctor said, I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is you don’t have cancer, the bad news is you have asbestos related lung disease," he said.

“I was shocked and scared. I didn’t think years later I would develop this because no-one ever warned us about asbestos.”

Alfred said the condition was affecting him more and more.

“I used to enjoy gardening, I look after my wife and now it’s such a struggle to do that and there’s nothing I can do about it. I find it hard to breathe and it’s so frustrating.”

He has also been awarded the right to claim further damages if he suffers a deterioration in his health.

“They’ve told me that it can develop into cancer but they don’t know. There isn’t really anything they can do. They don’t know if it’s going to get worse. I hate not knowing,” Alfred said.

Alfred says his family, including wife of 30 years Theresa, four children and his eight grandchildren have all felt the strain of the last few years.

“My family are very supportive but it’s put pressure on them. It feels unfair.”

Specialist solicitor Brigitte Chandler, of Old Town law firm, Charles Lucas & Marshall who represented Alfred, said: “The judge came to the conclusion there was substantial asbestos exposure.

“He did not accept the evidence of the defendant’s doctor who tried to allege Mr Prater was suffering from hyperventilation syndrome.

“I am delighted Mr Prater also won the right to return to make further claims should he go on to develop mesothelioma or lung cancer. Naturally, should his condition worsen, he wants to make provision for his family.”