A RETIRED lorry driver who was one of the victims of a major salmonella outbreak has had a lifesaving operation.

Father-of-four Brian Hume, 66, of Flint Hill, near Stanley, County Durham, is one of 95 confirmed cases of the food bug.

The infection is thought to be linked to meat bought from Robson's Fresh Food, in Stanley.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Hume said: "I felt ill for a few days, but I thought it might have just been a bug.

"I was stunned when the doctors told me it was salmonella. I could not believe it."

Mr Hume, who has ten grandchildren, is recovering in the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham, after he underwent an emergency operation last week to clear a blockage in his small intestine that developed after the infection took hold.

His condition took a turn for the worse yesterday after doctors discovered fluid on his lungs, and he was put back on a morphine drip to cope with the pain.

His wife, Doreen, said: "He is very poorly and we are all really worried about him."

Mr Hume, who is also a diabetic, fell ill some days after he ate a piece of chicken bought from Robson's Fresh Foods.

The shop is so far the only possible source of the outbreak found by health officials. It was closed by Derwentside District Council on July 29.

Mr Hume has been in hospital for two weeks suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.

Surgeons operated on Wednesday after his intestines became blocked.

Mrs Hume said: "We got the shock of our lives. They reckoned the intestine glued itself together with all the sickness and diarrhoea.

"If he had not had the surgery that night it would have been quite serious. They had to do it to save his life. They do not operate at that time of night for the heck of it. It is very serious and nasty and there could be long-term effects afterwards. We do not know yet."

The family are considering legal action.

Mrs Hume said: "At the minute, all I am concerned about is Brian.

"But as soon as we have turned the corner, I will look into the possibility of legal action. He has suffered enough."

As of 5pm yesterday, there were 95 confirmed and three suspected salmonella cases. Two people, including Mr Hume, remain in hospital.

Anyone who develops severe diarrhoea or has it for more than 48 hours is advised to call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or their GP.