A WOMAN whose husband died from a cancer linked to asbestos has launched a legal battle for compensation of up to £100,000.

Harry Royal, 78, died from malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the tissues surrounding his lungs or abdomen, on April 29 2005, says a writ issued in the High Court in London.

His widow, Martha, of Robin Royd Grove, Mirfield, is claiming damages from Pudsey firm Wormalds and Walker, whom she blames for his death.

The writ says Mr Royal developed the terminal cancer through his work as a packer and distribution foreman for the company at its premises in Dewsbury Mill, Radcliffe Mill and Liversedge between 1950 and 1972 and 1976 and 1992.

He worked near plumbers and maintenance men removing asbestos lagging from pipes for repairs.

They swept up asbestos dust and debris with ordinary brushes, the court will hear.

Mr Royal also swept up asbestos dust released from the deteriorating lagging on pipes in the packing and pressing department.

Also, he sometimes brushed against crumbly asbestos on pipes.

He often went into the cellar at Dewsbury Mill, where pipes were lagged with asbestos in poor condition, and was exposed to asbestos dust, the court will hear.

Mr Royal also had to pull out all old machinery at the Clifford Raw company and pipework which was lagged with asbestos, the writ says.

He developed symptoms of malignant mesothelioma in April, 2004.

He died a year later after suffering pain and loss of amenity.

Mrs Royal says the company was negligent and failed to provide protective equipment.

She says it also failed to damp down asbestos, failed to warn her husband of the dangers to his heath and failed to provide a safe system and place of work.

Mrs Royal has taken the first steps in her legal battle for damages by issuing a writ, which has been assigned to judge Master Whitaker.

Mesothelioma is a terminal and progressive cancer, almost invariably linked to exposure to asbestos at work.

Mrs Royal's claim is the latest in a series of legal actions brought by cancer victims or their relatives from all over the country. She brings her claim under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 and the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.