A Labour stalwart and champion of pensioners' rights died from exposure to asbestos at work, an inquest heard.

Retired councillor Felvus Sunderland was working as an engineer when he came into contact with the toxic substance between 1964 and 1985.

Coroner Roger Whittaker yesterday recorded a verdict of death from an industrial disease after hearing how he had made lift doors which had asbestos inside them.

Mr Sunderland, 80, of Sandywood Street, Keighley, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer often linked with asbestos exposure, last May. He died from the condition at Airedale General Hospital two months later. Although he had been unwell for some time friends and family said before the hearing that he had worked until his death.

Described as an old school Labour member, he first represented the party as a councillor on the Manningham ward for four years from 1976. He then stood unsuccessfully for the Keighley North seat in the early 1980s before winning the Keighley South seat in 1987. He served the ward until his retirement from politics in 1995.

As the secretary of Keighley and District Pensioners' Action Group he campaigned for many years for an increase in the basic state pension.

Councillor John Presage (Lab/Keighley South) knew him for many years. After his death he said: "Although Felvus was a quiet and reserved person he had plenty of fire when putting his point of view over and his forthright comments will be missed."