A pensioner with cancer has thanked kind doctors in Airedale for curing his fear of hospitals.

All his life Ferenc Nagy, of Green Way, in Glusburn, has been afraid of hospitals and doctors, but when he was diagnosed with cancer, in May, he had no choice but to face his fear.

The 68-year-old Hungarian, who moved to Keighley as a refugee during the 1956 revolution, was diagnosed with stomach cancer after visiting his GP in Cross Hills. Further tests revealed the cancer had spread and was therefore inoperable.

In August Mr Nagy began a rigorous three-weekly course of chemotherapy at Airedale Hospital's Richardson Clinic.

He expressed his gratitude to those who were helping him get through the ordeal.

He said: "I am nearly half way through my treatment and my fear of doctors and hospitals has gone. From the word go everybody has been so nice, helpful and kind, and with each treatment my trust in them grows.

"Their kindness and dedication, and of course medicines, are helping me to win over this disease and for that I would like to say a big thank you. From the top surgeons, through to the nurses and the cleaning ladies, they are all just great."