LATEST brain surgery techniques are giving hope to people with Parkinson's disease.

Retired firefighter Arthur Boucher was the first person in the country to receive deep brain stimulation, which helped to reclaim his life, and which could now help thousands of sufferers around the world.

The procedure works by sending electronic signals into the brain to control symptoms of shaking.

Wires are inserted into the brain that link up with a battery-powered pacemaker-style box in the chest.

The patient is then able to literally turn their shaking on and off by using a remote control to increase the stimulation levels.

Mr Boucher, 71, from Sunderland, was the first person in the country to have a double deep brain stimulator fitted, which controls the nerves on both sides of his body.

He said: "With something like Parkinson's, as soon as you lose faith, you're finished - but this has kept me going."

Deep brain stimulation kits cost about £9,000 and are only offer by a handful of hospitals around the country.

Mr Boucher, a former assistant chief of Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade, had his fitted by Alistair Jenkins, a consultant neurosurgeon at Newcastle General Hospital, four years ago.

Mr Jenkins was delighted with Mr Boucher's progress, but said: "This type of stimulation is not suitable for everybody and most people with Parkinson's will respond effectively to medication.

"Also, when you open up the brain there's always a danger you can hit the wrong bit and cause a stroke."

Doctors estimate that about 10,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's every year in Britain.