IT was a red letter day for Stuart Masterson when he drove off as Llanwern Golf Club captain.

For last October 60-year-old Masterson thought he wouldn't make it to the first tee when he was diagnosed with cancer and was told he might have between six and 12 months to live.

"I was told I had a tumour, but when they operated they found it wasn't quite as bad as they thought. So hopefully I can continue for some years yet," said the Newport transport manager.

Even then there could have been another problem leading up to the drive in. "I was told they would have to remove a picc line or I wouldn't be able to do it, but I'm very grateful to the people at Velindre that it happened in time," he said.

"The membership at Llanwern have been fantastic, they have helped me so much which kept me going. Now I'm looking forward to a very busy year and if I carry on like I am it will be no problem at all."