FATHER-of-two Derek Hodgson has saved his brother's life by giving him one of his kidneys.

The 42-year-old was last night recovering in hospital alongside his brother Ken, 46, after a seven-hour transplant operation.

Their sister Julie Hodgson, 41, said: "We are so very proud of them both. They had the operation on Wednesday in the Freeman Hospital and the doctors have said that they are recovering well.''

Ken Hodgson, from Canney Hill, County Durham, has been a diabetic since his late teens and suffered kidney failure two years ago.

His mother Thelma Hodgson, 67, from Lusby Crescent, Bishop Auckand, said: "It was the diabetes that caused the kidney failure. It has been a difficult two years for Ken especially when he was on dialysis.''

She said that when tests were carried out, all of her children were compatible when it came to a kidney donation and all were willing to help.

Her other son Tony, 45, was going to donate his kidney, but tests revealed he had angina and that is when Derek, from Hardisty Crescent, Bishop Auckland, stepped in.

Mrs Hodgson said she tried not to think about what was happening to her two sons as the operation was taking place.

"I just blocked it all out until I knew they were both okay. They are two very well-liked lads and everybody has been asking about them. I think they are both just pleased it is all over.''

Mrs Hodgson said she has been told that Derek can have a perfectly normal life with one kidney and Ken will now be able to enjoy a new lease of life with wife Rachel and children Paul and Zoe.

She said that Ken and his family will go on holiday with Derek and his wife Debbie next year to celebrate.