A dying pensioner has been awarded more than £115,000 in compensation after being poisioned by asbestos when he was a teenager.

Thomas George, 66, was exposed to asbestos dust during his work as a lagger's mate, for Kitsons Insulation of Barking, 50 years ago when he was just 16.

He was diagnosed with the fatal, lung-lining cancer, mesothelioma, in March last year.

Mr George, from Corringham, said: "Receiving the compensation marks a period of closure for the family.

"We have been able to gain a sense of justice and we are now able to enjoy the time we have left together."

The damage was done to Mr George between 1956 to 1957 when he worked stripping asbestos from pipes and boilers, while mixing up asbestos cement without any protection.

He noticed a problem with his breathing in January last year and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March.

He is now under going chemotherapy treatment.

Mr George's lawyer, Gill Connelly said: "We are pleased to have brought Mr George's case to a conclusion during his lifetime.

"Mesothelioma is a terrible disease, which has cut short many people's lives.

"We are pleased Mr Connelly can now have peace of mind and can spend time with his family in full knowledge they will be provided for in the future."