The genetic bond between two siblings has been strengthened after a life-saving sacrifice.

Steven Taylor, wh o developed diabetes 39 years ago, is recovering at his Beech Avenue home in Shepton Mallet after having his sister's kidney transplanted into his body.

Julie Mckernan's selfless gesture has left her with one kidney, while brother Steve now has three.

Julie said: "It was all a bit scary at the time, but it all wor ked out well and I have no regrets."

Steve and Julie were born in Shepton Mallet and both still live in the town.

Steve, 49, works as a warehouse supervisor and has been having daily injections of insulin since being diagnosed with diabetes when he was just 10 years old.

Doctors had been getting more concerned about his condition and at the end of last year, he was advised to consider a transplant before his kidneys completely deteriorated.

Steve, who has two children, 13-year-old Niall and 10-year-old Erin, said: "I didn't feel all that ill, just a bit tired.

"We talked it over in hospital and they suggested I ask close relatives if they would consider giving me one of their kidneys."

Steve said that after Julie came up trumps on compatibility, they were soon offered a date for the organ transfer.

The pair were admitted to hospital on January 7, with both operations taking place the following day.

"Julie's operation was much worse," Steve said.

"She was in surgery for four hours and they removed her kidney through keyhole surgery – there is just one surgeon who carries out that procedure at Southmead.

"I was in surgery for just an hour-and-a-half."

But his faulty kidneys weren't removed. Steve said: "They have left them in – I have three now.

"The new one is at the front on the left hand side, just above the groin – the body can work just as well with one or three."

Both Steve and Julie said they wish to thank Southmead Hospital and want to encourage as many people as possible to become organ donors.

"Julie knows how grateful I am, and after being in hospital I saw how many people are far worse off than me," said Steve.

"The aftercare has been fantastic – I know people knock the NHS, but Southmead Hospital have been amazing."

When asked if he felt closer to Julie after the operation, he joked: "Yes, every time I pass a pub, her kidney makes me want to go in."

Julie works as a customer service advisor at Easynet in Shepton Mallet and said she wanted to thank her employers for their understanding during the operation and convalescence.

She said:"It is lovely to see Steve feeling better already and having more energy."

Asked if their matching transplant scars will be the topic of conversation at dinner parties, she said: "Well he is already telling everyone that his is bigger than mine."

If you are considering becoming an organ donor, log on to www. uktransplant.org.uk or call 0300 123 2323.