A 70-year-old former Royal Marine who witnessed the testing of atomic and hydrogen bombs fears he will not be alive to see the end of a compensation battle.

Bert Tomlin, of Sherwood Close, Faversham, who is crippled with pulmonary fibrosis, is one of around 1,000 nuclear test veterans who are seeking payment for ill health they say was caused by the deadly explosions.

The Ministry of Defence has this week begun a legal battle in the High Court to derail the compensation claims.

MOD lawyers are arguing that under the Limitation Act, 1980, it is too late to launch personal injury actions. The hearing is due to last three weeks.

Mr Tomlin is optimistic the High Court will rule in the veterans’ favour. But even if they can push forward with their compensation claim, it could take two or three years before any case is settled.

Mr Tomlin said: “I don’t know if I’m going to last that long but I hope it will benefit my family.”

•For full story see this week’s Faversham News