A RETIRED lorry driver who needed a lifesaving operation after falling victim to salmonella returned home last night.

Father-of-four Brian Hume, 66, of Flint Hill, near Stanley, County Durham, was one of more than 100 confirmed cases of the bug that is thought to be linked to meat bought from Robson's Fresh Food, in Stanley.

He underwent an emergency operation at Durham's University Hospital last week to clear a blockage in his small intestine that developed after the infection took hold.

He was detained in hospital for three weeks to recover as doctors monitored him.

Last night, still recovering from his ordeal, he was back at home with his wife Doreen.

She said: "It is good to have him home. He is understandably tired and bit weary because it has been a long day, but at least he is in his own bed.

"He will be alright now he is home, although it will take a while for him to settle down because it has been such a big drain on him."

Mrs Hume said her husband was looking forward to seeing his young grandchildren, who he had banned from the hospital for fear they would catch the bug.

The family have heard nothing from Robson Fresh Foods and do not know what is happening with the investigation into the business.

Mrs Hume said: "Our main priority has been getting Brian home. All we care about now is getting him up and about. After that we will have to see what happens.

"It is going to be a long haul to get him back on his feet, but he has always been an active man and this has been so frustrating for him."

Mr Hume, who has also been diabetic for more than ten years, fell ill days after he ate a piece of chicken bought from the shop in Front Street, Stanley, which was closed by Derwentside Council on July 29.

There have since been 102 confirmed cases of salmonella in the Derwentside area, although experts believe the worst is over.

Mr Hume suffered severe vomiting and diarrhoea, which caused the blockage in his small intestine, leaving him severely dehydrated and unable to eat.