Electrician, plumbers and carpenters in the building trade need to be vigilant to reduce their risk of developing Mesothelioma - a type of cancer that has no cure.

The message comes from one of the country's top experts, consultant physician in respiratory medicine, Professor Mark Britton.

Prof Britton, who works at Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Mesothelioma brings tremendous suffering.

"We know that the number of cases will continue to rise until 2020. Many people do not know what it is - it is the type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

"We are seeing it in younger and younger people. We are beginning to see people in trades such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians who are developing it more than ever before."

Traditionally, many of the victims have been involved in jobs that bring them into contact with asbestos, in work involving cement manufacture; insulation, lagging, thermal insulation etc.

For more information or the mesothelioma booklet contact the British Lung Foundation: 0845 850 5020 or visit lunguk.org.