Allen Carr fighting lung cancer

Allen Carr set up his first clinic after quitting smoking in 1983

An anti-smoking guru who has helped millions of smokers to kick the habit has been diagnosed with lung cancer, it has been announced.

Allen Carr, 73, quit his 100-a-day habit 23 years ago, before going on to become a millionaire by advising people on how to stop smoking.

His books have become international bestsellers and he runs clinics all over the world.

Mr Carr says he sees his illness as a way to encourage more people to quit.

"Since I stopped smoking more than 23 years ago I have been the happiest man in the world. I still feel the same way," he added.

He is certain that, had he not quit, he would have been dead 20 years ago Mr Carr's spokesman

A spokesman said it was not possible to tell if the diagnosis was linked to his previous cigarette addiction.

"Allen has spent many years in smoke-filled rooms since he quit, whilst treating smokers for their addiction," the spokesman said.

"He is certain that, had he not quit, he would have been dead 20 years ago.

"He remains in high spirits and sees this latest stage in his remarkable life as an opportunity to make his method even more recognised and widely available."

Mr Carr gave up accountancy to set up his first clinic in south-west London in 1983.

He has since set up 70 clinics in 30 countries treating 45,000 people last year.

Celebrities to have benefited from Mr Carr's methods include Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Richard Branson.