One of Wales' oldest men has undergone an eye operation just two weeks after he was told he would face a six month wait for surgery.

Alfred Finnegan, from Llanglydwen in Carmarthenshire, who was 106 last month had initially been told that he would not get preferential treatment for a cataract operation because of his age.

I wasn't pleased the operation was necessary but it's something that's got to be done

Alfred Finnegan

The World War I veteran wanted the surgery to help him see again so that he can enjoy his remaining years.

He won his appeal a week ago and Carmarthenshire NHS Trust said the operation would go ahead at the West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen on Thursday.

Mr Finnegan - awarded for his bravery during World War I - said he was looking forward to reading again.

"The chaps did it (the operation) very well. I have got to thank them very much for all they have done for me," he said. "As soon as I can I'll start and I've got several books lined up.

"I wasn't pleased the operation was necessary, but it's something that's got to be done."

Kathy Page: 'Not queue jumping'

However, his niece Kathy Page admitted to feelings of guilt that her uncle's operation had been brought forward.

"I feel sorry for everyone who has to wait," she said.

"We are not queue jumping.

"I do feel guilty, but on the other hand how long has he got left?

"We have been a little concerned that the whole excitement might be too much for him."

Cataracts are among the most common causes of blindness but can be corrected by a simple operation.

They are common among the over 65s and form when cells in the lens of the eye become cloudy.

Two businessmen from Manchester had offered to pay for Mr Finnegan's operation privately after his case was publicised nationally.