The woman and her 72-year-old husband contacted solicitors in May 2002, after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a painful cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

He died just weeks later, but it has taken until now for the widow, who does not want to be named, to be awarded an "undisclosed but substantial sum" in compensation.

The delay has been caused because he was exposed to asbestos when working for two different employers, British Coal and then the fire service.

Victoria Elves, of Raleys Solicitors, said: "Although his widow does not want to be identified, she wanted to stress that anyone else who has lost someone in circumstances like these should never give up.

"It may have taken nearly six years, but now at least she feels there has been some form of justice delivered - and those responsible for her husband's death have finally been held to account."

She explained how the victim had worked all his life coming into contact with asbestos and asbestos dust as he repaired and maintained boilers for British Coal and later attending fires in factories which contained asbestos lagging, roofing and walls.

It was only during his retirement that he first realised his career had caused the cancer.

"He had been a keen gardener, looking after the gardens of some of his friends as well as his own, which was his pride and joy," Ms Elves said.

"He was subsequently diagnosed with mesothelioma after a biopsy in October 2001. During the last months of his life he could no longer walk upstairs, he needed oxygen and constant care from his wife, before succumbing to his illness in September 2002."

Ms Elves pursued the claim against both the former British Coal and the fire service on behalf of the widow and the couple's family.

She said: "The defendants raised every argument to defeat the claim.

"When it came to determining who was to be held liable for what degree of asbestos exposure, the investigations and arguments prolonged the case and it was only settled just a few weeks before a trial.

"Following years of court proceedings, the family was awarded the undisclosed but substantial sum in compensation. This lady's message to others is simply, 'Never give up'."

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