A cancer patient has been given a new lease of life after being treated with a rare form of pain relief.

Edward Larke, 68, was in agony for a year and had trouble walking after an incurable tumour in his spine damaged his nervous system.

But he can now walk again without a stick after being fitted with a morphine pump.

The device, which was inserted under his skin close to the painful area, sends a constant supply of the pain-relieving drug direct into the spinal fluid.

Mr Larke visits the pain-relief clinic at Eastbourne District General Hospital every month to keep the pump topped up and have it checked.

Since being diagnosed in 2001, he has undergone gruelling radiotherapy sessions.

But now the father-of-two, from York Road, Eastbourne, is able to lead a relatively pain-free life and is planning holidays, including a trip to Egypt.

He said: "It has been great for me.

"You are aware the device is there but you cannot feel it pumping and there's no discomfort.

"I had tried an epidural for pain relief but the effects wore off after a week and the pain was so bad I had trouble walking.

"This has made a huge difference to the quality of my life and I'm planning to enjoy two holidays soon."

Four other patients are being seen by the hospital's pain team at present, all with back problems.

The clinic sees about 800 new patients a year, plus about 4,000 follow-up appointments.

Pain medicine consultant Dr Joan Hester said: "Unfortunately, the implanted pump is only suitable for a very small number of patients but it can have dramatic effects.

"As well as providing reliable pain relief without the side effects associated with other methods, it cuts down on hospitalisation and the need for other drugs."