AN ex-miner who first went down the pits at 14 is suing his former employers after contracting a cancer-causing illness.

Frederick Limbert, of Burnside Drive, Holmfirth, wants compensation from the Department for Trade and Industry for asbestosis.

Mr Limbert, 64, was exposed to asbestos when he worked for the National Coal Board from 1958 to 1966, says his High Court writ.

He is also suing Sheffield-based Hepworth Building Products, which he worked for between 1966 and 1985, for exposure to asbestos.

Mr Limbert says he was exposed to asbestos from lagged boilers, steam pipes, stripping, mixing and applying asbestos and when working on asbestos clutches and brakes for the Coal Board. At Hepworths he worked on asbestos roofs, clutches, driers and boilers.

The writ says he also wore an asbestos suit and welding mask.

It says insurers for Hepworths admitted breach of duty towards Mr Limbert in 2005.

The then Trade and Industry Secretary admitted negligence a year later, but the two sides have been unable to decide on a compensation figure.

Mr Limbert does not suffer any symptoms at the moment, but is at risk of breathing problems and potential lung cancer.

He is seeking damages on the basis that his condition does not worsen and an order to return if it does.