A York cancer victim has launched a legal battle for compensation of up to £150,000.

Terrence Bodden has developed malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the tissues surrounding his lungs or abdomen, according to a writ issued in London's High Court and just made publicly available.

Now Mr Bodden, of Burrill Avenue, York, is claiming damages from Dodsworth (York) and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whom he blames for his disease.

He was exposed to deadly asbestos dust and fibres when he worked for the company between 1962 and 1966, and when he worked for DEFRA between 1966 and 1969, the writ says.

Mr Bodden brands the company and DEFRA negligent and in breach of statutory duty, and says that this led to him contracting the fatal illness.

Mesothelioma is a terminal and progressive cancer, almost invariably linked to exposure to asbestos at work.

Mr Bodden's is the latest in a series of legal actions brought by cancer victims from all over the country.