Coun Cliff Hughes, who has been diagnosed with lymphoma of the stomach, said he was determined to beat the illness.

The politician celebrated his 70th birthday on Sunday and is recovering at home after undergoing chemotherapy treatment during a fourweek stint in hospital.

He is scheduled to return to Preston Royal Hospital's specialist cancer unit next week.

Coun Hughes said: "I'm keeping upbeat and positive. It is a problem – but it's definitely not unbeatable."

The councillor, who represents the Tardy Gate ward for South Ribble Council and is cabinet member for regeneration and planning, was first diagnosed with lymphoma in September.

Doctors discovered the cancer after he started suffering from stomach problems.

He said: "I'd been complaining about my stomach for a while. I was on holiday in September and hadn't been eating properly and ended up vomiting blood.

"I went into hospital and had a camera down and that's when they found it. You have to keep positive about it all. I'm not doing too bad."

Coun Hughes, who put his weekend birthday celebrations on hold, said his positive attitude had been boosted by all the support he had received from well-wishers.

He said: "I've been overwhelmed with support and cards and the like.
We had planned to do all sorts for my birthday like going out to eat but we can't at the moment because I'm on drips and soft food.

"But we will put plans on hold and do them later when I'm feeling better.

The chemotherapy does go on for a while but I will go back into hospital on Monday and hopefully all should go well.

"The staff in Preston are fantastic."

Supportive fellow councillors are currently spreading Coun Hughes' work while he receives treatment.

Fellow Tardy Gate councillor Ken Palmer said: "I have worked alongside Cliff for a number of years and he has done a tremendous amount for the residents in this area.

"The people in Tardy Gate have certainly benefited from all his hard work over the years and I can't remember his ever missing a meeting.

"I wish him all the best," he added.