SURGEONS in the region have carried out the UK's first "double-decker" kidney transplant.

Surgeons decided to give Ken Spensley, from Middlesbrough, a pair of donated kidneys rather than the usual single organ.

A double kidney transplant is very rare by itself - but what made the six-hour operation unique in this country was the placing of the two organs one above the other.

The "double-decker" approach means the former publican now has a total of four kidneys, two new and two old organs.

Transplant surgeon Dave Talbot, from the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, said only about five double kidney transplants have taken place in the UK.

"What is unique about Mr Spensley is that he has both organs in his right abdomen, all the others have an organ on each side," said Mr Talbot.

This novel approach, pioneered in America, was done to increase the chances of the transplant working and to leave space in case a future transplant was needed.

Mr Spensley, 44, who used to own the Black Swan pub on the A19, near Yarm, says he is "feeling fine" a month after his operation.

He was only on the waiting list for about six months when he got the call.

Struck down by a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the renal system, Mr Spensley had to rely on a kidney machine to stay alive.

During one of his frequent check-ups since his operation just before Christmas, he admitted playing a joke on a radiographer who was not aware of the details of his surgery.

"They were taking an x-ray and he kept looking, he couldn't believe I had four kidneys," he said.

He paid tribute to the doctors and nurses who have given him a new lease of life: "I think the Freeman is a really excellent hospital."

His partner, Rose Mennell, said: "They were all absolutely fantastic. It is great to have him home."

Transplant coordinator Julie Wardle said the Freeman has about 220 patients waiting for a kidney transplant. The average time is about 18 months but people can wait for years.