The Northern Echo: A WOMAN who was exposed to asbestos from a North-East factory as a child has won a “substantial” payout.

Caroline Wilcock has accepted an out-of-court settlement from the successors of the Cape Asbestos factory, in Bowburn, County Durham, where she grew up.

The landmark case could open the floodgates for potentially hundreds of mesothelioma sufferers to file similar claims.

The 51-year-old, who now lives in London, said: “I am pleased and relieved at this outcome.

“I hope that my case now encourages other people in similar circumstances to seek redress.”