MEET the nurses who helped give former bobby Ronald Knott a ‘new lease of life’ after caring for him during his darkest hours.

Mr Knott wants to sing the praises of Portland community nurses and the specialist nurses at Dorset County Hospital after he underwent an invasive operation to remove cancer.

The retired policeman, who has had the all-clear for the past four years, says their excellent work made him feel life was worth living again.

Mr Knott, of Easton, Portland, was diagnosed with cancer of the rectum in May 2008 and after a successful operation at Dorset County Hospital is now a permanent colostomy user.

Following recuperation at Portland Community Hospital and home-care from Weymouth and Portland district nurses, Mr Knott, 75, received daily treatment at Royal Manor Health Care and now only requires regular check-ups.

Mr Knott said: “All the nursing staff were the kindest and most caring people and made my predicament worth bearing.

“Their professionalism was excellent and bedside manner was of the highest standard.”

Mr Knott said practice nurse Gill Gates was his ‘guiding light and inspiration’ during this difficult time.

Practice nurse Gill said: “It’s nice to be acknowledged and appreciated.”