A 65-year-old toolmaker died after inhaling asbestos at work, an inquest heard.

Thomas Reilly, of Fairfax Road, Chalgrove, died in Watlington Community Hospital on August 4, 1999, an inquest in Oxford heard yesterday.

Michael Reilly, of Chapel Lane, Chalgrove, said his father had worked for a number of companies where he could have been exposed indirectly to asbestos.

Coroner Nicholas Gardiner said accurate records of Mr Reilly's working conditions were not available as many of his former employers had gone out of business.

Mr Gardiner recorded a verdict of death from mesothelioma caused by asbestos inhalation.