YEADON pensioner Ronnie Holliday is recovering at home after finally getting his hip replacement operation.

Mr Holliday, 71, had his operation cancelled three times before it finally went ahead on Tuesday at Leeds General Infirmary.

"I went to see my consultant on Thursday last week and he said there had been a cancellation and did I want it. Of course I said yes straight away. I went into the LGI on Monday, had the operation on Tuesday and was out by Saturday."

Mr Holliday, who has campaigned for operations to be carried out abroad in an attempt to beat waiting lists, has health complications which meant earlier operation dates set for Wharfedale Hospital in Otley being cancelled.

Mr Holliday, of Springwell Close, said he was feeling very well and was without pain for the first time for months.

He's using arm crutches to walk and in four to six weeks is expected to graduate to just one stick.

"The pain has gone and there's a real difference, I've even walked around the block today.

"My doctor is really pleased with me and tells me the more I walk about the better."

He has complained to the European Court of Human Rights saying that his rights have been infringed because Leeds Health Authority was unable to fund his treatment in another country.

Mr Holliday's case has been closely followed by the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer.