We acted for the family of former mine worker Ray Noble, 77, who died in 2007 because the NCB failed to protect him from asbestos being used underground in the 1960's.

After a protracted fight all the way to the Court of Appeal, we secured a £72,500 award and a crucial ruling for the first time that asbestos, whose deadly dust and fibres can cause cancer, had indeed been used below the surface.

This revelation will now make it possible for any others affected in the same way to get justice, and the case's significance was immediately recognised by the media.

Our specialist Rebecca Moore-Yelland was interviewed five times for radio and TV, and the case of Ray Noble was picked up by industry organisations, blogs and other websites from as far away as India and America.

"The truth is that nobody yet knows how many men could be affected by this" said Rebecca.

Mr Noble's daughter Gill Eardley said the dedication of the legal team and the thought that the outcome could help others made the family determined to see the case through.

"Rebecca and the team have been absolutely fantastic" she said.

"The care and attention given to the case has been amazing.  We certainly wouldn't have won without them"