A HAMPSHIRE man died as a result of exposure to asbestos, a coroner has ruled.

Michael Nicholas, 64, was a construction manager when he retired due to ill health in 2008.

An inquest in Winchester heard that he cut sheets of asbestos while working on building sites in the 1960s.

Mr Nicholas, of Regent Road, Chandler’s Ford died of cancer at Countess Mountbatten House hospice in West End on April 17.

Coroner Grahame Short, recorded a verdict of death due to industrial disease.