A Liberal Democrat candidate in the Kent County Council election has vowed to carry on campaigning despite being diagnosed with kidney cancer.

George Koowaree, who is fighting to retain his seat of Ashford East at the June poll, has spoken of his determination to continue campaigning but says he may have to go to hospital for treatment before polling day.

Mr Koowaree said he had been diagnosed with the illness after going to his GP with what he thought was a chest condition.

His cancer was diagnosed only recently after a scan in hospital.

"When they looked at my chest, the doctors found cancerous material in my kidney. I am now waiting for an operation to have it removed. It has hit me, I admit, but I am trying to be positive and I am pleased that it has been identified. I only went to the doctor after my partner told me I needed to have my chest examined," he said.

He wanted his situation to be known in case questions were asked about why he was not campaigning, he added.

Although he felt quite well and remained active, it was possible that he could go to hospital at any time for an operation.

Meanwhile, details of all candidates standing in the election have been released.

The main parties will contest all six Ashford divisions. The Greens are fielding candidates in four of the divisions while the BNP has put up a candidate in Ashford South, which is currently held by Labour. All candidates details are on www.kent.gov.uk