FAMILIES of former miners who contracted crippling lung diseases are continuing to miss out on compensation, say solicitors.

The warning comes as the cut off date for claims under the Government's national compensation scheme for lung disease looms closer.

A number of recent payouts have involved the families of miners who had been dead for several years.

Roger Maddocks, a partner at Irwin Mitchell, in Newcastle, said recent cases had shown the worth of pursuing a claim before the national scheme closes on March 31.

He said: "This is when all respiratory claims against British Coal must be lodged if they are to be dealt with under the compensation scheme - and there may be many families still out there who may not realise they could be entitled to compensation."

Typical coal mining related respiratory illnesses include emphysema, chronic obstructive airways disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis and chronic bronchitis.

More than £800m has been paid to miners and their families so far. After March 31, all claims will have to be brought under normal court processes and costs will only be paid if the claim is successful.

For help with claims, call the Department of Trade and Industry helpline on (0800) 0282138.