TV's Dibnah reveals cancer battle

Fred Dibnah's MBE is for services to heritage and broadcasting

Steeplejack turned TV star Fred Dibnah has spoken for the first time about his three-year battle against cancer.

The 66-year-old, who has had a kidney removed and undergone several courses of chemotherapy, has swapped medication for a diet of Guinness and oranges.

The steam enthusiast is now filming a BBC TV series that will follow him as he tours the UK on his 1912 tractor.

According to his agent Martin Nazaruk, Dibnah - who was made an MBE last year - is "fighting fit".

"Touring is heavy work but he's fit and well," Mr Nazaruk told BBC News Online.

He said the Bolton-born presenter is discussing different treatments with cancer specialists.

Dibnah's cancer was initially diagnosed as a digestive complaint, but a tumour was found after surgery.

"I was told I had 12 months to live," he told reporters. "I thought I was a dying man.

"I was told I might get a little longer if I had chemotherapy," he added.

"Now I am on no medication and I am stabilised. I eat lots of oranges and drink lots of Guinness and I feel great."

He added he would continue to fight the disease and continue "enjoying myself while I still have the chance".

"I have not been given a life expectancy - we will just have to wait and see," he said.

Over the next three months Dibnah plans to travel to Scotland, Cumbria and other parts of the UK in his restored 1912 traction engine.

The journey will include a visit to Buckingham Palace on 7 July to collect his MBE.