The family of a Dagenham man who died from an asbestos-related cancer are attempting to trace his former colleagues.

David Lloyd was 75 when he passed away from mesothelioma - a cancer which is almost always caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres - in May last year.

He had worked at the Ford Dagenham plant between 1964 and 1965 as a stoker in the foundry, shovelling fuel into the furnaces and sweeping the floors.

After that, he worked for Telephone Cables Limited in Chequers Lane, Dagenham, until 1985.

During that time, he operated a machine that produced undersea cables and had to wrap a light brown paper around the cables to coat them.

His family, who also live in Dagenham, are hoping to find anyone who may have worked at either of the companies around the same time David did and who may have information about the working conditions there.

His son Steve said: “Dad was an extremely active guy before this tragic illness.

“He was very well known in the area over many years and loved nothing more than walking around and talking to fellow locals.

“He loved spending time with all of his grandchildren and taking time to go and watch and support the Daggers.”

“He added: “To see him suffer so terribly with this awful disease was heart-breaking for us all and to know it was so avoidable if he had been given simple protection like a mask makes it even worse.”

Solicitor Vijay Ganapathy of Leigh Day, who is investigating David’s case, said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have worked at Fords in Dagenham or at Telephone Cables Limited in Dagenham who has information about these companies and the conditions in these factories to contact us.

“Anyone who worked at Fords Dagenham in the 1960s or at Telephone Cables Limited in the 1960s to 1980s, or believes they can help with relevant information can contact me at vganapathy@leighday.co.uk or on 020 7650 1341.

“All information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.”