HE HAS survived bomb attacks, been fired upon in Iraq and reported on drug cartels in Mexico – and last night John Simpson arrived in Swindon fresh out of hospital.

The world affairs editor of the BBC underwent an operation for kidney stones just hours before his appearance at the 19th Swindon Festival of Literature, where he enthralled a sold-out Arts Centre with his tales of politics and war.

Talking about his new book, Unreliable Sources, the three-time Bafta-winner gave his views on a range of subjects, from the structure of the BBC to the Murdoch press.

He also spoke of some of the hardest moments of his career – when in 2003 a convoy he was in came under attack from a US warplane, killing at least 10 people including a translator working with the BBC – as well as some of the lighter moments, such as recently walking through the Argentinean town of Ushuaia with a Union flag umbrella.

The 67-year-old said he was pleased he came for the event, tipped to be one of the highlights of the line-up.

He said: “There was a moment this morning after I had got out of hospital following a procedure for kidney stones that I thought ‘I don’t think I can make it’. But I’m so glad I did.

“I know how annoying it is when you have a ticket for something and it gets cancelled and you never really believe the excuses. I had a lovely time – I don’t do many of these and it’s always nice to see people when I do.”

Plenty queued after a question and answer session for a chance to speak to John and to get books signed.

Festival organiser Matt Holland said: “He was a highlight and very interesting – I think it’s terrific he came after having an operation like that. But what I am amazed at is we have had three full theatres and not necessarily for the names. Swindon audiences really do have an appetite for ideas this year.”