A HAEMOPHILIAC infected with hepatitis C from contaminated blood has welcomed news of a public inquiry into the blunder.

Michael Kenwright, aged 45, of Chester Road, Grappenhall, contracted the potentially fatal disease in 1975 after receiving infected plasma imported from the USA as part of his treatment.

Around 5,000 people worldwide were infected with HIV and hepatitis C during the 1970s and 1980s after receiving contaminated blood products through the NHS.

To date, almost 2,000 have died, with many more terminally ill as a result of the treatment disaster.

On Monday, it was announced that an independent public inquiry would be held into the supply of the contaminated blood, led by Labour peer Lord Archer, of Sandwell, a former Solicitor General.

For almost 20 years, Michael and fellow haemophiliacs have campaigned for a public inquiry into the disaster.

Up until now it has always been met with a flat refusal.

And although he welcomes news of the inquiry as a breakthrough', Mr Kenwright says he will wait with baited breath' for the outcome.

He said: "This is a massive breakthrough, something we have been fighting for for the last 18 years but I just hope that it doesn't turn out to be another whitewash.

"There are a lot of unanswered questions at the moment and I hope that this means we'll get the answers we've been waiting for.

"One thing I'd like to come out is why we weren't told the blood was contaminated when the powers-that-be knew. The buck has to stop somewhere. Now it's about time the truth came out and people were held accountable for what happened."

He added: "I don't want to jump the gun in case it's another cover up.

"How long it will take is anyone's guess but that's not the issue - it needs to be thorough and conducted properly."