BROADCASTER Anthony Wilson - dubbed Mr Manchester for his extensive work in the city - is battling against cancer.

Mr Wilson, aged 56, had an operation last month to remove a kidney which had become cancerous at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

He found out he had contracted cancer after being persuaded to visit the doctor by his partner, Yvette Livesey, after suffering what he thought was a lingering cold. He is now to undergo treatment at the Chrisities Hospital.

Mr Wilson, born in Salford, was the driving force behind the Manchester music scene in the 1980s and 90s.

He is a television and radio presenter and has worked for Granada on many occasions. He was City Life magazine's "agony uncle" until the publication closed last year.

Mr Wilson has praised the NHS for the care and treatment he is receiving.

He said: "It isn't just the skill and dedication of all the NHS staff, it is the simple and constant delivering of kindness from the nurses and nursing assistants on the ward."

Mr Wilson founded the Hacienda nightclub and was a co-founder of Factory Records which signed bands such as New Order, and The Happy Mondays.

An Oxbridge graduate, he started off as a trainee with ITN and was a reporter and presenter with Granada Television. He also worked on World in Action.

A film about him and his record company was made entitled 24 Hour Party People, in which Steve Coogan played his character.

Closer to home he helped organise the annual In the City Festival in Manchester. More recently he has been a presenter on BBC Radio Manchester.