The family of a man dying from a rare form of cancer is warning his former workmates they may also be at risk.

Brian Henner, 62, has been diagnosed with paranasal carcinoma.

This is a cancer of the sinuses which affects about one person out of 100,000 every year.

Doctors have told him the cancer is inoperable and that he could have just months, or even weeks, to live.

Mr Henner, from Portslade, is being treated in Brighton General Hospital and will soon be transferred to a nursing home in Brighton.

His wife, Sandra, and daughter-in-law, Debbie, believe the illness was triggered while Brian was working for a former Sussex-based carpentry firm, Harry Binder, in the Fifties.

Mrs Henner, 60, said: "It's been a tremendous shock - you just don't expect it 41 years later. But we are slowly coming to terms with it.

"We think he contracted it when he was working at the firm and others should know."

Debbie, 37, of Monks Avenue, Lancing, began researching the illness after the cancer specialist said it was an industrial-related disease.

She discovered Mr Henner had worked at the firm, which she thinks was based near Shoreham between 1956 and 1959, making kitchen cabinets and shop fittings.

Reports have shown high incidences of the cancer among furniture workers.

Debbie said: "If this has happened because of an industrial disease, it would be irresponsible not to warn others who worked there so it can be detected earlier.

"Brian had the symptoms for a number of months before it was spotted.

"Even if it helps one person it will be worth it.

"We were very surprised that it took 40 years to emerge.

"We are not angry at the firm but we think people should be compensated if they have the disease because of it."

Debbie said her efforts to contact people had so far had little success.

She said: "I think it was a small company.

"The only name that Brian has so far been able to give us is David Evans.

"I have written to all 25 David Evans' in the phone book but have only had two letters back."

If you worked at the firm, or know anybody who did, you can contact Debbie by emailing her at d.henner@ntlworld.com