Supporters of asbestos victims in Bradford are calling for more awareness training in schools to prevent deaths.

Bradford Asbestos Victims Support Group wants a comprehensive audit of asbestos in Bradford schools and for asbestos awareness training to be given to head teachers, governors, teachers, school caretakers and health and safety representatives.

The call for more action comes after an inquest was held this week into the death of Bradford teacher Graham Butterfield from asbestos-linked cancer.

Group spokesman Jane Howie said: “Unfortunately an increasing number of school teachers are dying from mesothelioma after having being negligently exposed to asbestos in schools.

“The fact is that the majority of schools nationally have unacceptable standards of asbestos management and place pupils and teachers at risk of contamination.

“There are widespread failings in the way asbestos is managed, with some schools demonstrating no knowledge at all of how to protect employees and pupils from the deadly substance.”

  • Read more on this story in today's T&A