Lord Lieutenant of Kent Allan Willett CMG is suffering from cancer, it has been announced.

Mr Willett will undergo surgery and radiotherapy this month following a recurrence of the prostate cancer he thought he had beaten 14 years ago.

However, he is also hoping to be back taking public duties as soon as August.

Mr Willett was appointed Lord Lieutenant in 2002 after a career as a businessman, and he was also responsible for setting up SEEDA - the South East England Development Agency.

His health has not always been strong - he had to step down as chairman of the Canterbury Cathedral Trust thanks to a heart problem - and he has recently been diagnosed with a suspected non-life threatening form of Parkinsonism.

However, he is determined not to let it slow him down.

Mr Willett said: "My attitude has always been to treat this cancer with extreme aggression, as I am doing now, After the treatment I am determined to carry out my duties as the Queen's representative for Kent for the full term of my appointment, which ends August 2011, when I will be 75.

"During my enforced absence I have every confidence that all members of my excellent Lieutenancy team will continue their good work for Kent's communities."

While he is recuperating, his place as the Queen's representative in Kent will be taken by Vice Lord Lieutenant Lord De L'Isle MBE DL.