A former heating engineer who claims he contracted the deadly lung disease asbestosis while working for a company based in Paisley, Scotland, is appealing to people to help him trace his previous employer's insurers.

Alistair McCallum, 58, served a four-year apprenticeship with horticultural builders and heating engineers James Boyd & Sons, of Macdowall Street, Paisley, in the early 1970s.

It was during that time, he says, that he came into close contact with the asbestos that caused asbestosis. He wants to claim compensation for his disease through the company's insurers, but his attempts to trace them have drawn a blank.

If you can help McCallum in his search, call Kenneth Speirs at the Paisley Daily Express on 0141 887 7911 who will pass on your details.