THE wife of Bolton-born World Cup winner Alan Ball is reported to have tested all-clear for cancer.

Ball, aged 56, a former pupil of Farnworth Grammar School, was left reeling by the shock news that his 33-year-old daughter Mandy had been diagnosed with breast cancer in June.

Doctors told his wife Lesley that she was suffering ovarian cancer after a routine check up weeks later.

The 1966 World Cup winning football hero said: "It was a huge shock and very difficult to take. We are all hoping for the best."

Mr Ball, who was awarded an MBE last year for his World Cup triumph, said both were "responding positively" to treatment. He said the family were "very upbeat about the future".

Now it is reported that after completing her final course of chemotherapy, Mrs Ball was told the gruelling treatment had proved successful. A scan showed the cancer had gone.

Last week the couple -- married for 34 years -- left their home in Hampshire to jet off to Spain for a holiday.

The Ball family, who used to live in Enfield Street, Walkden, in the 1960s, first discovered Mandy was suffering from breast cancer when she found a lump on her chest. Weeks later came the news that Mrs Ball had contracted cancer.

Mr Ball married Lesley in 1967 at St Stephen's Church, Kearsley, with their wedding reception held at the Last Drop Hotel, Bromley Cross, Bolton.

Father-of-three Mr Ball, who lives in Hook, Hampshire, said his younger daughter Keely, 29, had also undergone tests but was given the all clear.

Mr Ball, who was 21 when England won the World Cup, used to play for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and Southampton. He finished his career in America before returning to Britain to manage Blackpool, Portsmouth, Exeter City, Southampton, Manchester City and then back to Portsmouth which he left in 1999.