A man died after being exposed to asbestos at work for almost a quarter of a century, an inquest has heard.

Peter Solley worked at Quex Park in Birchington-on-Sea for 24 years, was diagnosed with mesothelioma just before Christmas last year and told he had just months to live.

An inquest into his death earlier this month heard the Broadstairs resident claimed he was not given protection to break up sheeting made of the deadly substance.

In preparation for his death, the 77-year-old wrote about his career and the potential exposure to asbestos he experienced during his working life, in the hope that he would be able to claim compensation.

A statement from Mr Solley, who lived in Bromstone Road, was read out by the coroner, Geoffrey Smith, during the hearing at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone.

Mr Solley described how he had been a maintenance man at the country estate from 1982 to 2006 and his job involved carrying out repairs.

He said many of the old buildings on the 1,800 acre estate were made of corrugated asbestos sheeting, which he often took apart by hand.

He would carry out repairs on farm buildings and boilers, many of which he claimed were made of asbestos.

Mr Solley claimed he was never given any protective equipment or clothing to prevent him being exposed to it.

The grandfather-of-five and great-grandfather-of-one was diagnosed with mesothelioma on December 21 and died on March 11.

His statement said: "It has been a very great shock to me and my family, however, I am not surprised by the diagnosis."

Carrie Malone, operations manager at Quex Park, said the venue was aware of the inquest but could not comment while investigations are taking place.

It is unknown whether his family were successful in his claim for compensation.

Mr Smith added: "I offer Mr Solley's family at this difficult time, the condolences of the coroner's court."

He recorded a verdict of an industrial related death.

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