WHEN The Northern Echo launched its campaign to reduce heart bypass waiting times four years ago, the aim was to bring Britain in line with other European countries.

While patients in other parts of Europe were waiting an average of three months for surgery, UK waiting times stood at an average of one year.

With so many people not knowing whether they would survive long enough to have their operations, there have been times when progress in the campaign has seemed agonisingly slow.

We knew there could be no overnight transformation - that it would take time before the gap could be closed - but we still shared the frustration of those on the waiting lists.

But our revelation today that the average wait for a heart bypass operation at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough is now below six months for the first time shows that real progress has been made.

Twelve months ago, patients at the hospital could expect to wait a year.

It is particularly poignant because it is the same hospital where our friend and colleague Ian Weir - whose death at 38 inspired the campaign - waited nearly eight months to see a consultant about the heart bypass operation he desperately needed.

And it shows that the changes and investment put in place under former Health Secretary Alan Milburn are paying off.

We welcome the fact that his successor, John Reid, has pledged that there will be no let-up in the drive for further improvements.

Of course, six months remains far too long to wait. The Government promise of a maximum three month wait by March 2005 remains a tough challenge.

But an important milestone has been reached here in the North-East and it shows that we are getting there.

Well done, Ryan

YOUNG Ryan Thorn offers a lesson in public duty for people of all ages.

In an age where there is a temptation to turn a blind eye to crime, Ryan had the courage and good sense to arrange for the police to apprehend two escaped prisoners.

His commendation from the Association of Chief Police Officers is richly deserved.