A ROMSEY man died of a combination of asbestos exposure and natural causes, an inquest heard.

Anthony Winkworth was working as a mechanical engineer at British Rail in Eastleigh between 1952 and 1992 when he was exposed to asbestos, Winchester Coroner’s Court heard.

Mr Winkworth, of St Swithuns Close, Crampmoor, had been suffering from breathlessness prior to his death, the court heard.

However, in a statement, his GP Dr Simon Tricker said that the 80-year-old’s death at Southampton General Hospital was also caused by pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Senior coroner Grahame Short recorded a conclusion of death from a combination of industrial disease and natural causes.