AN ex-miner from Cross Hands died of black lung disease after spending 44 years working underground, an inquest has heard.

David Gwynfor Thomas, aged 81, contracted pneumoconiosis - also known as miner's asthma - during a career underground lasting more than 44 years.

Mr Thomas, of Cae Glas, worked at the Cross Hands and Cwmgwili collieries from the time he left school at the age of 14 until his retirement at 58.

Coroner's officer PC David Williams told the inquest that Mr Thomas had spent all but nine months of his 44 working years underground.

The court, sitting at Llanelli, heard how Mr Thomas regularly suffered from ill health and breathing problems, particularly during the cold winter months.

A post mortem found that Mr Thomas had white tumours spread throughout his chest and lungs.

Consultant pathologist Dr Lesley Anne Murray told the court that the cause of death was disseminated malignancy, with coal workers' pneumoconiosis - also known as black lung disease - an underlying factor.

Carmarthenshire coroner John Owen recorded a verdict of death from natural causes contributed to by industrial disease.