A HEART transplant survivor who trained in Bolton has won a gold medal at the World Transplant Games 2017.

Gary Still, from Leyland, had the life-saving surgery two years ago after suffering a heart attack along with a severe chest infection and pneumonia.

After the operation in November 2015 he was bed-bound for three months and lost all muscle, leg strength and stamina. He had to learn how to walk again.

But he has bounced back and at the recent World Transplant Games in Spain, he scored a gold medal in discus and a silver in shot put.

He had trained at the USN Bolton Arena, where the management allowed him free use of the track and field facilities.

His goal was to get fit and strong for the British Transplant Games in Liverpool in 2016, where he won medals in shot put, discus and volleyball. He then set his sights on the world championships.

Of his recent success, Mr Still said: "It was fantastic there and I was so proud to represent my country.

"I’m taking a break from my training in Bolton now — but I would like to start again and perhaps set my sights on more future medals."

Sue Hayes, programme manager at USN Bolton Arena, said: "We endeavour to support our local aspiring sportsmen and women in any way we can and we are delighted with Gary’s success."