South Tyneside MP David Miliband has stepped in to help a former shipyard worker gain access to a compensation award worth thousands of pounds.

Mr Miliband has written to Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling after hearing how Paul Young, 71, from South Shields may have to wait years to receive compensation for asbestos related condition pleural thickening.

Former plater Paul is one of six ex-employees of Smiths Ship-repairers, based in North Shields, waiting for compensation after being exposed to asbestos at the shipyard.

He said he has no idea when he can expect to receive more than £12,000 in compensation after his former employer went into liquidation.

The GMB and its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors represent many of the former Smiths Shiprepairers' workers. They are calling for the compensation to be paid out without further delay.

Now Mr Miliband has lent his support by writing to Mr Darling. His office said they are now waiting for a reply.

Head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, Ian McFall, said: "I hope Alistair Darling sees the significance of this issue and does all he can to make sure these men, who were negligently exposed to asbestos while employed by Smiths Shiprepairers, receive their compensation."