ONE of York's most successful businessmen died from an asbestos-related disease, an inquest heard.

Michael Hogg, 60, who founded Hogg the Builders at Strensall 37 years ago, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2003.

He had left York to live in Alderney, in the Channel Islands, and died in hospital in Guernsey on January 12, 2005.

City coroner Donald Coverdale told the inquest that Mr Hogg started his working life as an apprentice joiner and cabinet maker and went on to renovate buildings.

"Mr Hogg spent a lifetime within the building trade and in his early years he would have had contact with asbestos sheeting," Mr Coverdale said.

"It may have occurred over many years. It is a well-recorded fact that mesothelioma is associated with asbestos exposure."

Mr Coverdale said a post-mortem examination revealed Mr Hogg had been exposed to asbestos "at a high level".

He recorded a verdict of death from the industrial disease mesothelioma.

Mr Hogg's company, whose new homes were identified with a frieze of a hog, usually on chimney stack or gable, was responsible for building thousands of houses in the York area, where he concentrated exclusively.

His vision could be summed up in a statement, signed on his website: "I believe house-buyers recognise and appreciate quality. My aim is to build houses that people enjoy living in."

A keen sportsman, he encouraged his firm to sponsor several football teams in the York area. The firm's logo can be seen on the backs of team shirts including Haxby, Strensall Tigers, Wigginton Grasshoppers, Holme Rovers and Hamilton Panthers.

Mr Hogg left a widow and two sons. His son James was present at the inquest.

Updated: 09:29 Monday, May 30, 2005