A retired van driver from north Norfolk, who died just days before Christmas, is believed to have been exposed to asbestos, an inquest heard. 

Brian Spencer, 76, of Skeyton Road, North Walsham, was admitted to hospital on Wednesday, December 14 last year.

He arrived at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with shortness of breath, a cough, and delirium. 

Despite treatment, his condition deteriorated, and he died just over a week later on Thursday, December 22. 

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An inquest into his death was opened by assistant coroner Johanna Thompson at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, Norwich, on Thursday, March 23. 

Ms Thompson said the medical cause of death was acute bronchopneumonia with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis due to asbestos exposure. 

Brian Robert Spencer, a married grandfather, was born on April 19, 1946 in London. 

Ahead of his funeral, held at Cromer Crematorium on Friday, February 3, the family requested attendees wore Christmas attire.

A full inquest to determine the official cause of death will take place on July 31 at noon.