A man from Lincolnshire who has suffered for hiccups for two years has contracted swine flu.

Twenty-five-year-old Christopher Sands has suffered form hiccups for two years, but it was only in the last month that doctors discovered the cause - a benign brain tumour.

Now he has been confirmed to have swine flu after developing flu-like symptoms last week.

Doctors placed him on a dose of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu in a bid to stave off respiratory problems which could be aggravated by the pandemic virus.

Mr Sands, from Timberland near Woodhall Spa, was at more risk of developing further problems because of his existing illnesses.

"I began to feel very achy, tired and bunged up and just thought I had a terrible cold," said Mr Sands, who waited for four days before calling the doctor.

"I didn't want to make a fuss, but though that I probably should seek advice from the doctor considering the other illnesses I have.

"He immediately prescribed a course of Tamiflu because there was concern that I would develop further breathing difficulties as a result of the brain tumour and a lowered immune system.

"My mum couldn't believe there was something else wrong, but I have had to just laugh that I could get swine flu on top of everything else."

Following thousands of new cases of swine flu nationally, the government has now set up the Pandemic Flu Service helpline on 0800 1513 100.

To find out more about Mr Sands' condition, see Monday's Echo.