A MAN who is recovering from prostate cancer has urged others to get symptoms of the illness checked out.

Stuart Watson, of Hasgill Close, in Oakwood, was diagnosed with the condition in 2004 and was successfully treated in 2005 using radiotherapy.

Now the 66-year-old, who has four grandchildren, has backed efforts by The Prostate Cancer Charity to raise awareness of the illness.

To mark Father's Day, the charity is selling specially-designed Purple Ronnie cartoon character badges at branches of Barclays and novelty presents, pens and cards at Clinton Cards and Marks & Spencer.

Mr Watson gives talks and presentations to encourage men over 50 to pay attention to symptoms, which include problems urinating and pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

He said: "It's important to support the charity because it raises awareness, pays for research into diagnosis, treatment and aftercare, provides support for patients and their families and campaigns on policies."

Prostate cancer is diagnosed in 35,000 men a year in the UK and about 10,000 die annually from it.

Those particularly at risk are the over-50s, men with a history of the cancer in the family and African Caribbean men.