Widow sues East Sussex Council over husband's death

The widow of a teacher who died from mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos during 26 years of work at an Eastbourne school, has spoken of her relief after securing justice from the local council over his illness.

Clive Beck, who was Head of History at Ratton School between 1972 and 1998, died aged 71 in April 2009, around 18 months after he was diagnosed with the incurable cancer of the lining of the lung.

His widow Sue, 70, launched a legal bid against East Sussex County Council over concerns that more could have been done to protect Mr Beck from inhaling asbestos fibres at the school during his career. Mrs Beck and her family have received an an out-of-court settlement.