The first person in the UK to have a hand transplant has spoken about his progress nearly two months after the operation.

Mark Cahill, 51, is learning to live with his new limb after the pioneering operation at Leeds General Infirmary on December 27.

The former pub landlord, from Greetland, near Halifax, West Yorkshire had been unable to move his right hand for five years. He said he had no problems accepting the new hand, despite it being smaller, paler and more freckled than the other.

"I've always seen it as my hand, since the moment I woke up after the operation," he said.

He also said the fingernails had become his own: "They grow at the same rate on both hands and they've been cut three times. So whatever makes them grow must come from me."