A WAR veteran who waited more than two years in agony for an operation has had surgery - and has thanked the Argus for highlighting his case.

Douglas Snell, pictured, flew dangerous missions with the RAF during the Second World War parachuting Allied spies into occupied Europe as part of the Special Operations Executive's secret war against the Nazis.

A legacy of his heroism, though, was swelling in his left foot, which led to pains in his hip and knee.

The problem was the result of a war wound. Mr Snell had injured his ankle after parachuting out of his Halifax bomber with the rest of the crew in 1943.

Now, though, he is looking forward to a new lease of life after finally undergoing surgery at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport.

Mr Snell, 79, from Ambrose Way, New Inn, Pontypool, said: "The pain was unbearable and my life was a misery with nothing to look forward to.

"I couldn't do the simple things in life like going to the shops or take a trip to Abergavenny market.

"I was housebound and always full of anxiety because of the pain and complete despair."

After already waiting 18 months, he was told that he may not be treated on the NHS for another two years because his case was "not urgent".

Mr Snell came to the Argus and we reported on his plight in October.

At the time a spokesman for Gwent Health Authority said he was unable to comment on individual cases, but said the authority was working with NHS Trusts to reduce waiting lists.

Mr Snell said that the day after the story appeared, he received a letter inviting him to see a consultant, which led to a hip operation last week.

He said: "I want to thank the Argus for all their help.

"I feel so much better since the operation and I've got a whole new outlook on life. Although I still need my walking sticks, I'm hoping that in a few weeks I will be up and about again."

Mr Snell is also due to see a consultant about an operation on his knee.