A WOMAN from the region who was forced to have a second breast implant operation because of a health scare will receive compensation this month.

But solicitors believe there could be other North-East women who have still not come forward.

Women with the implants have been advised they can have them removed free of charge.

They also stand to benefit from a compensation package agreed with the breast implant industry.

Jackie, 36, from Darlington, is one of an estimated 5,000 British women who have been advised to have their soya bean oil breast implants removed.

She will receive £2,625 in the next few weeks and a further £2,625 in a year's time.

But her solicitor, Ros Dunn, of Darlington solicitors Latimer Hinks, said she believes there may be many other North-East women who have not come forward.

Jackie had Trilucent soya bean oil implants inserted four years ago and was delighted with the results of her £2,500 cosmetic surgery.

But last summer, the Medical Devices Agency advised all women with the Trilucent implants to have them removed amid fears that the implants could rupture and become a cancer hazard.

While there is no evidence that any women have developed serious health problems as a result of having the implants, the company which owns the rights to the product - AEI Incorporated - has accepted that they constitute a potential health hazard.

After talks with solicitors representing UK patients, the company has agreed to pay for restorative surgery and a compensation package.

Jackie, who has a 16-year-old daughter, underwent her second round of surgery at the Cleveland Nuffield Hospital last July and now has implants containing silicon gel.

Jackie, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "I feel angry. They have used us as guinea pigs.

"They should now pay for what they have done."

Ms Dunn said: "Women will be pleased to hear that the defendants have agreed to pay legal costs in addition to compensation, so no claimant will be faced with a legal bill at the end of her claim.