Mr Powell is "elated" patients will be treated in Wales

First Minister Rhodri Morgan announced a brachytherapy unit would be developed at Velindre Hospital in Cardiff.

Welsh patients were treated at hospitals in England but it was withdrawn last year because it was considered too expensive.

The Prostate Cancer Charity said the unit was a "vitally important step".

The charity's chief executive John Neate said: "The lack of brachytherapy services in Wales has been the centre of intensive campaigning by determined local people and national charities working together to bring about this essential and very welcome change in policy."

The important thing is that these choices of treatment for early stage prostrate cancer for men in Wales, is now going to be made available Campaigner David Powell

David Powell, 54, from Barry, has been campaigning for prostate cancer patients in Wales to be offered the same treatment available in England.

"I'm absolutely elated. I find it hard to believe, we fought so hard for all these months for this treatment to be made available for the men in Wales," he said

"The important thing is that these choices of treatment for early stage prostrate cancer for men in Wales, is now going to be made available.

Same risks

Father-of-two Mr Powell said his oncologist told him brachytherapy would be the most effective form of treatment when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2006.

Treatment involves a radioactive seed being injected directly into the prostate and takes just one visit to hospital compared to weeks of radiotherapy and does not carry the same risks as surgery.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Morgan said: '"We (Welsh Assembly Government) will try to produce within the next few days a service to provide brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer patients at Velindre Hospital.

"We will bottom out the details over the next few days with an announcement before the end of the week.