Union officials in Cumbria are preparing for a legal battle to win compensation for members claiming to have been affected by the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease.

A second person has died following the outbreak in Barrow-in-Furness and more than 100 others are known to have contracted the disease.

The GMB union says it has taken on the case of a refuse collector who battled against the Legionella bug for four days.

The union says it will take on whoever is found to be responsible for the outbreak.

Most of those affected are from Barrow

Refuse collector Shayne McLeavy believes he contracted the disease after clearing rubbish from the council-owned Forum 28 arts centre.

The centre has been named as the suspected source of the outbreak, which came to light last week.

Mr McLeavy, 33, who works for a council contractor, emptied bins near an air-conditioning vent where the Legionella bacteria was discovered.

'Lengthy action'

A GMB spokesman said: "We are acting for Mr McLeavy and will represent any of our members who have been affected by the disease.

"We have the resources to continue a lengthy legal action."

Mr McLeavy was treated at Furness General Hospital for four days and will not be able to return to work for at least a month.

Mr McLeavy said: "If someone is responsible for this then they should pay."

Those worried they may have caught the disease are advised to consult their local GP, call NHS Direct or to ring the hospital on 01229 491222.