Albert Conrad Harris, from Mill Lane, Brackley, died last July, aged 77, after becoming short of breath and being diagnosed with the lung condition, malignant mesothelioma.

Mr Harris, a retired carpenter, also had a history of depression and made three suicide attempts before developing the incurable disease.

A machinist and designer from Rushden died last year from the same condition after he was exposed to asbestos during his career with British Steel among other companies.

John Norman Harris, aged 68, died at Cynthia Spencer Hospice in November.

Northampton-born engineer, Terence Dunkley, from Long Mallows Rise, Ecton Brook, came into contact with asbestos while working on the Wolverton carriageway.

Anne Dunkley, the wife of Mr Dunkley, who died in January at Cynthia Spencer Hospice aged 67, said: "This time last year, we were on holiday in Bournemouth. I miss him dearly."

Eric Stanley Champion, of Manor Road, Pitsford, died at Northampton General Hospital aged 71 after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mr Champion, who served in the RAF when he was 18, was exposed to asbestos while working as a designer for heating systems.

Anne Pember, coroner, recorded verdicts of an industrial disease in relation to all four deaths.