A former teacher and mayor of Axbridge is suing a North Somerset private school, claiming he contracted an incurable lung disease after being exposed to asbestos in the science labs.

Peter Yusen, aged 76, a retired teacher, has launched a High Court bid for more than £200,000 in damages.

He is suing Sidcot School, near Winscombe, after nearly 20 years teaching at the private Quaker school.

He was also the mayor of Axbridge during 2014, according to a legal writ.

Mr Yusen claims he inhaled hazardous quantities of toxic asbestos dust during his time at the school, causing asbestosis – or mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the lungs’ lining.

He is represented by Bristol-based solicitors Humphreys and Co and barrister Andrew Hogarth QC, who allege Mr Yusen’s regular ‘collecting and distributing’ of asbestos mats sparked exposure to the now-banned substance, according to the writ.

A Sidcot School spokesman said: “We have received a claim from a former employee which has been passed to our insurers and are satisfied that our arrangements for protecting our staff from asbestos have always met the required standards.”