A man who developed terminal lung disease after installing asbestos in North hospitals has won £110,000 in compensation.

Henry Smith, 63, of Albert Drive, Low Fell, Gateshead, was forced to retire four years ago after doctors found asbestos in his lungs.

Last night he said he might have less than a year to live and his four-year battle for compensation had been won just in time.

He is now determined to enjoy his last days with his wife, Lilian, 60, their four children and eight grandchildren.

Mr Smith said: "I suffer every day because of my illness. I can't work, I find it difficult to breath and I can't keep up with my wife or kids when out walking.

"You have your good days and your bad days, but you never know when the disease might progress, next week or next year, and after that I might only have six months to a year.

"I am very happy at this compensation but also sad that friends of mine have died of asbestos-related diseases and haven't been able to enjoy their compensation."

Mr Smith became an apprentice lagger with Darlington Insulation after he left school in 1955. Since then he has worked with asbestos for a number of companies in shipyards, factories and hospitals, including the RVI and Newcastle General.

Before retiring he developed breathing problems and specialists diagnosed terminal lung disease.

On the advice of doctors, he launched a claim for damages.

Mr Smith's case was bought against a number of companies in the North.

He said: "One witness in my case died during the case and he was only 55. You don't get many people with asbestosis who live to more than 64 or 65.

"By the late 1960s it became compulsory to wear a protective mask when dealing with asbestos, but by then it was too late for me and others in my generation."

Mr Smith, who was backed by his trade union, the GMB, won an out of court settlement just before a hearing at the County Court in Newcastle yesterday.

He now plans to take two of his grandsons on a trip to New York and visit the Dominican Republic with his wife.

Ian McFall, head of Thompson's Solicitors in Newcastle, who represented Mr Smith said: "His health was damaged beyond repair by his employer's negligence. Henry will receive 100pc of the compensation he was awarded because his case was backed by his trade union, the GMB."

A GMB spokesman said: "This is a victory for the working man."