A shipbuilder's family has won more than £100,000 in compensation after he died of mesothelioma, a type of cancer related to asbestos exposure.

Frank Ede had worked for a shipbuilder from 1943 to 1976, initially as a burner before becoming a plater. Although he was exposed to asbestos at work every day, his employers never warned him about the dangers of the substance.

Not only did Mr Ede work alongside laggers who sprayed asbestos onto ships, but in their lunch breaks they would have snowball fights with lumps of asbestos.

Mr Ede was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2004 and died shortly afterwards.

Mr Ede's main worry was providing for his family after he was gone. In particular he wanted to make sure his wife had financial security. The £100,000 in compensation will help to ensure Mr Ede's wish is fulfilled.

Many companies have failed to protect their employees from the damaging effects of exposure to asbestos. Families like Mr Ede's are now paying the price for this omission.