Working with asbestos led to the death of two Reading men, separate inquests heard.

David Waterfield, 60, of Lock Place, Newtown, and Francis Elford, 74, of Northumberland Avenue, Whitley, both spent time during their working life in the building trade, their inquests at Reading Civic Centre heard.

The inquest into Mr Waterfield’s death on Tuesday, October 22, was told that in August 2012 he collapsed at work and was taken to hospital.

He died at Duchess of Kent House, in Liebenrood Road, West Reading, on June 19.

A post mortem examination found that Mr Waterfield’s right lung was completely encased by a tumour which had started to spread to other vital organs.

The inquest into Mr Elford’s death heard he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in around April 2012. He also died at Duchess of Kent House, on June 18.

Berkshire coroner Peter Bedford recorded for both inquests that Mr Waterfield and Mr Elford died of industrial disease malignant mesothelioma.