Asbestos awareness event is held

A conference focusing on asbestos-related illnesses is being held in Derby.

Experts at the event, entitled Asbestos the Silent Epidemic and organised by the trade union AMICUS, are warning the country is facing a potential outbreak.

Legal and medical specialists will advise people on the dangers of being exposed to the material.

The conference - at the Spot - has been organised to coincide with Health and Safety Week.

Nev Jackson, AMICUS regional secretary, said: "We need to make people aware so that other people know that they've been in contact with asbestos in the past.

"So if the worst comes to the worst then we can try and make legal claims to give some small protection to the next of kin involved."

Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) in conjunction with AMICUS and solicitors will be on hand to give advice and support.