A renowned Page 3 snapper who photographed thousands of topless models for the Sun newspaper died of a rare cancer, an inquest heard today.

Beverley Goodway, 69, who was the first photographer to work with Page 3 girls, died in November from mesothelioma, a cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos.

During more than three decades at the Sun Mr Goodway, who wore bow-ties and lived in Ashtead, travelled all over the world and became well respected among his models.

Following his death tributes poured in from his former models including Linda Lusardi who called him a 'true legend' and 'the ultimate gentleman'.

His widow Karin also remembered their happy years together and said the Page 3 girls saw him 'almost as a fatherly figure.'

At Westminster Coroner’s Court Dr Radcliffe, who recorded an open verdict, raised the possibility that there could have been environmental exposure in relation to buildings such as newsroom basement corridors, although there was no evidence of this.

When told about his career she said: "I think that’s really very interesting."

Lynda Morris, from the coroner’s office, read out statements from his GP and hospital doctor and conveyed information from Karin who was not aware of him having been exposed to asbestos.

However, Mrs Morris said: "They had had extensions and there was talk there was asbestos in the roof."

Mr Beverley, who wore round glasses, lived with his family in Farm Lane, Ashtead, and had been battling prostate cancer for years.

He was admitted to the Royal Brompton with shortness of breath and right-sided chest pain on October 16.

A chest x-ray found that he had pleural effusion - fluid around the lungs - for which he underwent surgery on October 27.

A biopsy revealed that he had biphasic mesothelioma, the second most common type of mesothelioma cancer.

At first Mr Beverley made a ‘good recovery’ from surgery but as he became progressively worse he was taken to the intensive care unit then transferred to palliative care.

Dr Radcliffe said: "His disease continued to progress and his condition deteriorated until his expected death on November 4."

She added: "I shall reach an open verdict because there is no evidence we have heard as to any possible contact with asbestos in his working life."