Tributes to singer in asbestos-link death

Tributes were today paid to a well-known club singer from Wolverhampton after an inquest found he died as a result of inhaling asbestos fibres.

Colin Archer was exposed to the potentially dangerous substance during his many years as a welder. He had suffered with lung problems for around 10 years before he died in March this year, Wolverhampton Coroner's Court heard this week.

The 77-year-old frequented pubs and clubs across the Black Country, including the Railway Club in Bushbury, before he fell ill, his daughter said. Mr Archer's family paid tribute to the former Tarmac welder, saying he "always had a smile on his face."

His daughter Jayne Edge, 47, of Meldon Drive, Bradley, Bilston, said: "When we were growing up dad used to tell us about the asbestos he worked around.

"He always said it would kill him. I just can't believe it finally has."

Mr Archer was born in West Bromwich and grew up in Wednesbury.

He worked for Tarmac in Ettingshall for 19 years as a welder and fitter.

His wife Mildred, a school cook, died in 1992 at the age of 57.

Mrs Edge added: "Dad always enjoyed singing and had been performing in clubs ever since I was young.

"He went over to Benidorm two or three times a year to sing. They called him Mr Full Lungs over there.

"He was very bubbly and was always happy but he really struggled towards the end."

Mr Archer was admitted to Compton Hospice on March 5 and died on March 11.

Before going to Compton Hospice, he lived in Hall Green Street, Bradley.

He leaves behind son Glenn, 51, and five grandchildren.

The inquest heard that post mortem tests carried out on Mr Archer showed he had a tumour on his lungs.

Assistant deputy coroner Angus Smillie said: "He had asbestosis and a tumour. He died from an industrial disease."