A TERMINALLY ill Darlington woman has received a “significant” pay out following a lengthy legal battle with her former employers.

Valerie Cameron was awarded a six-figure sum after legal experts linked a devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma to conditions at the Rothmans cigarette factory in Darlington.

Ms Cameron worked on the production line at the factory in the 1970s and believes she was exposed to lethal asbestos during construction work at the site.

In May 2015, the 57-year-old was diagnosed with the incurable cancer after suffering with a cough and feeling breathless for a number of months.

Rothmans has denied liability for her asbestos exposure but agreed to pay out the six-figure sum following a lengthy legal battle.

Ms Cameron said: “I was completely shocked when I was diagnosed with mesothelioma and immediately became worried about my future.

“I hope that by taking legal action I can some way help to raise awareness of this terrible disease and the problems exposure to asbestos can lead to decades down the line.

“Asbestos is still present in many buildings and workplaces and this is putting hardworking people at risk of health problems in the future.

“I hope that by speaking about what has happened to me I’ll encourage some companies to take a more proactive approach to identifying and removing asbestos from the workplace.

Ms Cameron’s lawyer Roger Maddocks from Irwin Mitchell, said: “Valerie and her family are extremely relieved that a settlement has been negotiated that will go some way to ensuring she can access the support she will need as her health deteriorates.

“Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable cancer which causes significant pain and suffering for victims like Valerie and employers should have been well aware of the dangers it posed to their staff.

“Nothing can change Valerie’s diagnosis but after issuing legal proceedings against Rothmans at the High Court we have been able to secure her a settlement that will hopefully enable her to focus on fighting the disease and spending time with her family and friends.”