GREAT grandfather Peter Robson has added his support to the campaign to keep urology cancer surgery in Colchester.

Keen golfer Mr Robson, 83, underwent an operation for bladder cancer at Colchester General Hospital and said the care he received could not have been better.

Mr Robson, a retired printer from Dugard Avenue, Colchester, said: "I have been seen at this excellent centre on a few occasions culminating in a small operation for bladder cancer.

"The service I received on each occasion was absolutely first class and I doubt very much if I could have had any better treatment anywhere in the country.

"Everyone was fantastic, brilliant. I was met by the specialist nurse who explained everything and I saw the consultant and the anaethetist."

Mr Robson, who plays golf three times a week at Playgolf in Colchester, said: "The ward was immaculate and the staff were so caring and reassuring.

"The ward was superb, first class, like a well oiled machine.

"To even consider closing such an excellent department in my view would be an absolute travesty."

Mr Robson said he would not have relished the thought of travelling to Southend for surgery.

He said: "I would have struggled to get there. Surely after all the significant investment that has been made in the Colchester urology department, the facilities they now offer must be amongst the best in the country."