A FATHER-OF-TWO forced to give up his career and voluntary work after being diagnosed with cancer has launched a High Court bid for compensation from the employers he blames for the killer disease.

Christopher Scott, 65, from Spennymoor, County Durham, is suing two companies he worked for during the 1960s after contracting malignant mesothelioma.

He says he was exposed to cancer-causing asbestos dust while working for British Rail Board (Residuary) Ltd between 1961 and 1967 in Shildon and Darlington, and as a seagoing electrical officer for Pacific Steam Navigation Company.

Mr Scott says both companies were irresponsible in failing to provide adequate breathing equipment and a safe working system while exposed to asbestos lagging on pipes and electrical cables.

Mr Scott and his wife, Kathleen, 59, who have a 28-year-old twin son and daughter, plan to spend as much time together as possible at home and on holidays.

He said: "We've worked very hard to plan for our retirement but now we won't have that together.

"I'm seeking compensation to make sure my family is cared for after I've gone."

He has been forced give up physical roles with Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team, of which is vice president, and work as co-ordinator of the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme he founded.

"The hardest thing was telling my family.

"But giving up my active lifestyle, particularly the search and rescue team, which I've been involved with since it started in 1968, has been really difficult and frustrating," he said.

Mr Scott hopes his case will raise awareness of the progressive and painful cancer and encourage sufferers to seek expert help.

He said: "I started to feel breathless in August 2000 then began to feel unusually tired and had chest pains.

"I had recurring pneumonia and pleurisy and had to stop working as a tutor at South West Durham Training, in Newton Aycliffe, in May 2003.

"People with these symptoms have to be persistent and ask for help from doctors and seek compensation through their union and knowledgeable solicitors."

Mr Scott, who praised staff at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, is undergoing chemotherapy and has taken a course of trial drug Alimta, but there is no cure for the disease.

No one was available for comment from Weightmans solicitors, which is representing British Rail Board.

Malcolm Westbrook, of Norton Rose, who represents the Pacific Steam Navigation Company, said: "In cases like this, where there are two defendants, if damages are awarded they are apportioned between the two, and our share has been agreed at 2.5 per cent".