Rosemary Horne saved the life of her husband Stephen by giving him one of her kidneys.

The couple are now recovering at home from their operations at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford.

The couple, of Worcester Road, Chipping Norton, surprised experts by having compatible blood groups and tissues.

Mr Horne, 48, became ill five years ago and was diagnosed with kidney failure.

Usually only relatives are a suitable match for kidney transplants but Mr Horne has no brothers and sisters.

Mrs Horne, 37, said: "I pestered them to test me and I was a very good match. "I did a lot of thinking but once I made up my mind I had no second thoughts and just went for it.

"Both operations were very successful, though Stephen is having to have regular check-ups. Touch wood, there has been no sign of rejection."

In preparation for the operation Mrs Horne lost four stone in weight and took up running raising money at the same time for the Churchill Hospital by running in a 10k race.

The couple, who were back home just days after the operation, were full of praise for the hospital.

"They were all brilliant from the surgeons to the ladies who brought the tea," said Mrs Horne.