TOP health experts were drafted in to Manchester's education headquarters today in a bid to reassure staff after the death of a worker from Legionnaire's disease.

Employees are demanding blood tests after the Manchester Evening News revealed 51-year-old Allan Balderson died from the illness which he is thought to have caught from contaminated water at Cumberland House in the city centre.

But the health advisers have told the 400 staff members they do not need the tests.

The Health and Safety Executive, health authority and the council's environmental health team are carrying out a clean-up operation. Samples taken from the building have uncovered the Legionella bug in a hot water supply.

It is thought Mr Balderson, who lived in Old Town, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, may have inhaled droplets from a spray tap but health chiefs believe any further danger to staff has been eliminated.

Mr Balderson, 51, a single man who worked for the education department's special needs team, died a few days before Christmas.

A council spokeswoman said: ''We are meeting unions and staff representatives today to reassure staff who work in the building.''