Victims of mesothelioma, a cancer often linked to asbestos, who have been unable to get compensation because they cannot trace their insurer, can now make a fresh 100% claim.

The major breakthrough in the fight to get damages is a major victory for Chatham MP Tracey Crouch who has fought tirelessly for sufferers across Medway to get full entitlement.

Initially, ministers approved plans to set up a fund for a 75% handout, amounting to an average of £115,000.

Due to pressure from staunch campaigner Miss Crouch, this was increased to 80% and in a written statement from the Department of Work and Pensions today, this has now risen to 100%.

Miss Crouch said: "This has been a hard fought battle but from now on people diagnosed with mesothelioma across the Medway Towns, a hot spot for this fatal cancer, who are unable to trace their insurer will get full compensation from the government scheme, instead of the 80% originally agreed.

"It is quite right that victims, who simply turned up to work in the historic shipbuilding and heavy industries in our area will get paid what they deserve."

The disease is often associated with work that went on at Chatham Dockyard, in particular the nuclear submarine refit unit, before it closed in 1984. There was also a large asbestos processing operation at British Uralite in Higham.

Miss Crouch said: "While I recognise that there are still outstanding issues in the area of debate, I am relieved that the government has listened to my calls for full compensation and future claimants will get exactly that. "

Mr Mark Harper, minister for disabled people, said in his statement: "This change reflects our on-going commitment to sufferers of this disease and their families."