THE WIDOW of an asbestos victim whom British Rail denies ever having employed now looks set to receive a six-figure payout.

Former workmates of Leslie Haddrell have come forward who are prepared to swear on oath that he was employed at the GWR works.

Tony Hopkins, 64, even has a photo of Mr Haddrell hard at work on the factory floor.

Mr Hopkins and others have come forward following last week's Evening Advertiser front-page highlighting the plight of Mr Haddrell's widow Beatrice.

Solicitor Brigitte Chandler, of Thring Townsend, said testimony from the men could pave the way for a £100,000 payout for Mrs Haddrell.

Leslie Haddrell died of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, also known as the Swindon Disease, in September aged 78.

Since then his wife Beatrice, 79, has fought BRB (Residuary Ltd), formerly British Rail, to make it admit employing her husband.

She says her husband worked at the railway for 22 years from 1937 to 1959.

During that time he was in the boiler shops and regularly came in contact with asbestos.

Tony Hopkins, said he worked with Leslie Haddrell for 18 months and has a photo to prove it.

He said: "I remember he was a nice quiet bloke.

"We had a good gang working there, we used to have a bit of fun together."

Ken Pearce, 71, remembered working with Leslie Haddrell when he first started at GWR in 1946 at the age of 15.

He said: "He was a good friend to me I was only a young lad and he and the rest of the gang looked after me.

"I would vouch for him for the sake of his widow I think it is only her due."

Mr Haddrell's son Malcolm said he hopes the testimony of the men will help the family finally put the matter behind them

He said: "I just want it all to be over so we can get on with the rest of our lives."

BRB (Residual Ltd) is a publicly-funded company which deals with British Rail's various outstanding liabilities.

Spokeswoman, Gillian Whiting, said: "This particular gentleman worked in the 1950s so the records are not that good considering the period of time that has elapsed.

"If some more information has come forward that will be most gratefully received."