VICTIMS who were infected with diseases from contaminated blood said they are ‘cautiously optimistic’ as work begins on an inquiry into the scandal.

Judge Sir Brian Langstaff has begun working full-time on a public inquiry into how 7,500 people were given tainted blood products in the 1970s and 80s, resulting in 2,400 deaths.

Campaigners have said their early dealings with Sir Brian have been positive and they are confident he is the right man for the job.

Patients at the Oxford Haemophilia Centre in Headington were among those infected with hepatitis C and HIV after being treated with the blood and have been searching for answers ever since.

One victim, Neil Weller, 47, said he felt this was the ‘last chance’ to find out the truth.

A haemophiliac since he was three months old, the father-of-three from Southmoor, near Abingdon, was infected with hepatitis C in the 1980s and still feels the effects today.

He said: “I have been let down for 28 years and seen friends die but have always tried to remain hopeful.

“This is our last chance now and we have to make sure we get the answers we deserve.

“We don’t care if it takes six years as long as we get to the end and know the truth - we want it all to come out."

He added: “I haven’t met Sir Brian myself but those who have say he seems to understand what we have been through.

“He has the experience in the field and has been compassionate and understanding.

“I think he can get to the truth if he is given the time and resources required.”

In his first weeks in the role, Sir Brian is concentrating on deciding on the terms of reference for the inquiry, which is being overseen by the Cabinet Office rather than the Department of Health after victims protested.

Cabinet Office spokeswoman Ria Provin said the date for the official start of the formal inquiry has not been released but added: “The infected blood inquiry is a priority for the Government and the chair of the inquiry has been actively consulting with those who have been affected.

“Once these contributions have been analysed and considered, the chair will make his recommendation to the minister.”