Working underground killed former miner

Colin Blacknell had emphysema, a lung disease commonly associated with coal miners, and died of respiratory failure. He was aged 72.

Mr Blacknell, who lived on George Street, began working at Hucknall's number two pit when he was 15.

He retired in 1986 when the pit closed and not long after developed chest problems.

On March 16 this year Mr Blacknell had further breathing difficulties and was taken to King's Mill Hospital, Sutton-in-Ashfield, where he died on March 20.

Emphysema is an obstructive lung disease and a common complaint of former coal miners.

The inquest heard that lungs would become starved of air after coal dust had settled on them.

Nottinghamshire Coroner, Dr Nigel Chapman, recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.

He said: "The death was related to his previous work. My deepest sympathy to his family, 72 is no age nowadays."